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Pastoral care goes mainstream

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, October 7, 2005

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A survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that in 1994 only 17 of the 126 accredited medical schools in the U.S. offered courses on spirituality in medicine. By 1998 that number had increased to 39, and by 2004, 84 schools offered such courses.

Along with medical schools, more healthcare facilities are moving to incorporate interfaith spiritual care programs into their services. Last year, Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, began a new Department of Pastoral Care, directed by a representative from the multi-faith agency Healthcare Chaplaincy. The representative organized a community chaplaincy program that trains local clergy through a six-week training program to minister to patients and family members in a diverse range of healthcare settings.

The program has been so successful that the medical center plans on expanding the program in the future.

Source: www.chronogram.com

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