Not well known, used little and needed: Canadian chaplains' experiences of published spiritual assessment tools.
What are Canadian chaplains' experiences of published assessment tools? Utilizing a quantitative and qualitative methodology with multiple investigators and theoretical triangulation, this article reports the results of a survey of chaplains in the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE) and interview results of 15 chaplains in three focus groups. Findings indicated that published spiritual assessment tools are not well know, used little, criticized for being reductionistic and not fitting the clinical situation. Participants noted, however, that spiritual assessment is needed for spiritual care. Thirty percent reported the development of their own tools (not published) and three published tools were mentioned by 50% and more. Discussion, limitations of the research, and suggestions for education, practice, and future research are offered.
O'Connor
Thomas St James
TS
Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3C5.
O'Neill
Kathleen
K
Van Staalduinen
Grace
G
Meakes
Elizabeth
E
Penner
Carol
C
Davis
Katherine
K
D001290:Attitude; D002170:Canada; D002835:Christianity; D002977:Clergy / Q000523:psychology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires