But what are we trying to prove?
Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the health care setting can and should approach their ministries more scientifically, primarily by incorporating the methods and results of quantitative and qualitative research. Such an approach, however, should have a carefully considered rationale. Proponents of a scientific approach should avoid associating their advocacy with dubious notions of health care "reform." They should attend to the perceptions--and fears--that chaplains may have of "science" and research as these affect pastoral care. In particular, fears for professional and programmatic survival should be recognized for their potential to predispose chaplains either favorably or unfavorably toward a scientific approach. Ultimately, chaplains should increase their openness to scientific methods in order to learn more about their ministry and improve their practice, without expecting that the adoption of research methods will be a magical solution to the problems posed by the current environment.
McCurdy
David B
DB
Park Ridge Center for the Study of Health, Faith, and Ethics, 211 East Ontario, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611-3215, USA. dbm@prchfe.org
D002604:Chaplaincy Service, Hospital / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004496:Education, Continuing; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007325:Institutional Practice; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012070:Religion and Science