The search for truth: the case for evidence based chaplaincy.
Chaplaincy and medical science are in search of truth. Should chaplaincy become more scientific in response to health care reform? Yes is the answer. Chaplaincy ought to become more based in evidence for the following reasons. First, the health care culture is evidence based and chaplaincy needs to speak that language. Second, chaplaincy and science are not opposed. Third, tradition-driven chaplaincy already utilizes medical evidence. Fourth, spirituality is the domain of chaplaincy and other health care disciplines have provided the research in our domain. However, if chaplaincy becomes more scientific, it does not mean that chaplaincy will maintain or grow in its position in health care reform. Health care reform in relation to chaplaincy is driven more by values than evidence.
O'Connor
Thomas St James
TS
Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. toconnor@hhsc.ca
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000193:education; D012070:Religion and Science; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States