A Long Way to Go Understanding the Role of Chaplaincy? A Critical Reflection on the Findings of the Survey Examining Chaplaincy Responses to Covid-19

Abstract

This contribution reflects on some of the most prominent findings in the survey on the chaplaincy response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The finding that chaplain respondents had difficulty understanding their own role prior to the first wave is of concern. If chaplains cannot articulate their own role, it is not surprising that those around them are also unclear. Chaplains are not the only ones to blame for the confusion around their role though.

The Role and Value of Chaplains in the Ambulance Service: Paramedic Perspectives

“…While relationships appeared to overcome some of these reservations, these visual cues and the lack of clarity from the outset on the chaplain’s professional role and responsibilities within the ambulance service generated reservations. These findings hold similarities to police, military and healthcare chaplaincy literature (Best et al, 2021 ; Moosbrugger, 2006 ; Roberts, 2016 ; Snowden, 2021 ). To address this, ambulance chaplains should also consider taking steps to establish minimum education requirements, standards of practice and affiliation with professional health and chaplaincy organisations, and organisations should develop and promote clear role descriptions in line with their specialised chaplain workforce (Association of Professional Chaplains, 2021 ; Best et al, 2021 ; Spiritual Care Australia, 2020 ; Timmins et al, 2018 ).…”

“…While chaplains would appear to be a valuable addition to paramedic wellness strategies to address social, emotional and spiritual needs, debate continues in Western cultures on their relevance by those who see the role as solely religious (Best et al, 2021 ). These views highlight common misconceptions about spirituality, religion and the role of chaplains.…”

“…Additionally, considerable evidence supports the connection between religion, spirituality and positive health outcomes including enhanced levels of wellbeing, optimism and hope, and reduced rates of depression, anxiety and suicide, along with other positive physical, psychological and social outcomes (Koenig, 2012 , 2015 ). Considering these potential health benefits, maintaining chaplains in the ambulance service may in fact promote positive health outcomes for paramedics (Best et al, 2021 ; Puchalski et al, 2014 ). Finally, spirituality is important not only for the paramedic’s personal life but also in their professional practice, through the use of skills including empathy, compassion and resilience which add depth to their role and move it beyond merely technical (Lazarsfeld-Jensen & O’Meara, 2018 ).…”

Percepção acerca da Saúde Mental de uma equipe multiprofissional de uma emergência durante a pandemia de COVID-19

“…O que nos permite prever com o avanço da pandemia e o número de óbitos, que hoje já é registrado no país, com todas as mudanças e estressores a que os profissionais foram submetidos é que será primordial que sejam oferecidos, se não agora, em um futuro próximo, tratamentos que visem dar um suporte de saúde mental aos profissionais (Best, Rajaee, & Vandenhoeck, 2021).…”

Delivering Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Remotely: Educators’ Views and Perspectives During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

“…They also identified the need to prepare educators for engaging in and teaching professional advocacy. The emphasis on learning advocacy and perhaps even more fundamental the ability to articulate the chaplain role emerged from the findings of the international study on the early impact of COVID-19 on chaplaincy, as noted by several authors who produced articles based on that study ( Snowden, 2021 ; Best et al, 2021 ; Flynn et al, 2021 ; Vandenhoeck et al, 2021 ), and from an international expert panel on chaplain leadership during the pandemic ( Szilagyi, Vandenhoeck et al, 2022 ). Consistent with reports of ACPE educators, chaplains found themselves voicing the need to be considered essential employees in need of personal protective equipment and technology to safely and effectively provide support not only to patients and families but staff.…”