Outcomes/Measures for effectiveness of Spiritual Care Interventions
1
Crisis
Patient experiences an onset of illness that may be life-threatening. Chaplain
listened to the story and affirmed the depth of loss and then provided the questions
necessary for patient to reframe and reflect on her experience
Finding Meaning
A dynamic process: as the patient confronts challenges of illness or injury, he or
she must continually seek ways to re-ground self within the constructs of a higher power,
the illness, and significant relationships in his or her life. Finding meaning in these life
changes can enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Outcome:
Patient states she has become once again grounded in her sense of worth, in her
relationship with God, and in the larger picture of mystery. Through one’s own story and
understanding of God, one is able to find meaning in this illness at this time.
2
Chaplain is responsible for spiritual assessments, interventions and documentation in the
patient’s chart.
Priorities
Chaplain visits emergency patients (ED and OR patients), pre-procedure patients,
especially those undergoing general anesthesia, intensive care unit patients, those patients
who are dying and their families, those who have requested a Chaplain visit and patients
who have stayed in the hospital beyond the usual length of stay.
Outcome
Patient’s story is integrated into a larger faith perspective, ritual support, end-oflife issues, and bereavement and grief are addressed.
Chaplain is involved in deep dialogue with patients and families concerning
choices for treatment.
Chaplain advocated for patient’s wishes walking the fine line between
institutional tendencies and individual conscience.
3
Chaplain screens for spiritual risk
Determine if the patient is in despair and, if so, what are the implications for his
or her plan of care.
Assess the spiritual resources, the community supports and patient’s own fears
and hopes.
Interventions
Offer prayer, ritual and/or sacraments;
Reading Scripture;
Participating in song;
Processing (helping patients ask questions and address fears
Reframe patient’s journey
Simply listen to what the patient has to say
When appropriate, provide referrals or reconnect the patient to the faith
community of his or her choice.
Outcome
Patient states Chaplain has honored the patient’s agenda, not imposed religion on
patient, but assisted patient to explore meaning of life experience without religious
overtones.
Patient is observed by clinical staff to be more peaceful, perhaps smiling, less
agitated and looking less pre-occupied; less withdrawn, less pensive