Can doctors pray with patients? Is it appropriate for a nurse to talk with a dying woman about her spiritual crisis? In healthcare facilities, should spiritual and religious matters be the realm solely of chaplains?
Yes, yes and no, according to a group of a dozen caregivers who gathered together Wednesday night in a Massachusetts General Hospital conference room overlooking the Charles River. The diverse group of caregivers included a neonatologist (who unpretentiously called herself a ‘baby doctor’), several nurses, a few social workers and an ER doctor. All were graduates of the Schwartz Center’s Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program which teaches clinical caregivers how to minister to patients spiritual and religious needs, in addition to their medical ones.
The 20-week program, which takes place at Massachusetts General Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center (although that site has been on hiatus this year), has graduated 50 clinicians who are all doing their part to change the culture of health care – a culture that generally frowns upon mixing medicine and spirituality. The graduates spoke about the many ways CPE has transformed their lives and their work with patients and the ripple effect of the program.
A few examples:
• One therapist now weaves questions about spirituality into her interviews with clients. “It feels like an aspect I can’t leave out of diagnostic evaluations and treatment plans,” she commented.
• A psychologist at a rehab facility said that the program was responsible for her switching careers and becoming a chaplain and starting a palliative care program at her facility. Like others, she said CPE gave her the self-awareness, confidence and language to speak with patients about spiritual matters.
• A nurse who works with patients with lung cancer said that sadly, most of her patients will die of their disease. CPE helped her see that “there’s a powerful healing process going on parallel to the treatment process….CPE teaches that witnessing, listening and validating the meaning in patient’s lives” is as important as healing their bodies, she said.
• Several grads have started programs at their institutions including “Nurture the Nurse” retreats; “Tea and Empathy” gatherings for hospital staff; prayer circles after patients die; and reflective sessions for residents working on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
It was a very inspiring evening.
Friday, May 7, 2010
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6 comments:
I serve on Women & Infants Patient and Family Advisory Committee in Providence. In 2001 I was rushed to W&I with initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Turned out my appendix had burst 2 weeks earlier and my body walled off infection. Had to be pickled in antibiotics before they could operate. While still a patient at hospital, they allowed me to be released (along with my IV meds) to attend prayer service at my church. That was huge for me and a big part of why I serve there now.
Hi Rudy,
What a wonderful story. I have a very strong visual image of the scene. Thanks for sharing!
-Julie
I so believe in what you are doing. Consider myself expert in being sick. . . 2 open hearts due to congenital disease, $40,000 worth of stuff in my chest keeping me alive, widowed at 42 from cancer and 7 yrs. hospital HR. Contributed chapter to book series called "Business of Healthcare." My chapter "Improving Systems of Care, A Patient's Perspective." Thanks for all your hard work. It is so needed out there.
Rudy,
I'm delighted that in a book about the biz of health care there's a chapter from the patient's perspective! Congratulations and keep making the patient's voice heard.
All my best,
Julie
This is very interesting. I have learn much from this article >:D<
thanks for commenting. I learn a lot from every Rounds session I go to. Best wishes,
Julie
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