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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of health care chaplaincy 2002-09, Vol.13 (1), p.185-194
Main Author: O'Connor, Thomas St. James
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chaplaincy
Evidence-Based Medicine
Health administration
Health Care Reform
Health Services Research
Humans
Leadership
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Pastoral Care - education
religion
Religion and Science
science
Spirituality
United States
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0885-4726
1528-6916
DOI:10.1300/J080v13n01_03