Better Patient Care Seen as Long-term Outcome of First Global Research Conference on Spiritual Care in Health Care

Contact: Jim Siegel, Health Care Chaplaincy Network, 212-644-1111 ext 141, 917-723-8537 mobile, jsiegel@healthcarechaplaincy.org 

NEW YORK, April 11, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Leaders of three professional health care chaplaincy organizations convened on April 1 at HealthCare Chaplaincy Network's conference Caring for the Human Spirit: Driving the Research Agenda in Spiritual Care in Health Care to voice unanimity on collaborating to advance the discipline's ability to provide better care to more people in need.
 
"Our field must develop a robust, collaborative research base if we are to respond to and plan for the rapidly changing contexts in which we serve," said Trace Haythorn, executive director, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.

"Rigorous research and its evidence-based outcomes are the quantitative data  needed to legitimize the qualitative benefits of professional spiritual care," said Cecille Allman Assekoff, executive vice president, National Association of Jewish Chaplains. "This conference, thanks to the John Templeton Foundation's vision and funding and HealthCare Chaplaincy Network's leadership, brought together people from around the world and highlighted the outcomes of six significant research projects. It was the impetus to form a global research consortium which can only lead to better care."
 
"The conference was momentous and encouraging," said David Lichter, executive director, National Association of Catholic Chaplains. "Witnessing researchers, physicians, other clinicians, and chaplains teaming together to improve the patient experience and outcomes was remarkable and inspiring."
 
"We invite other individuals and organizations who are committed to providing excellent spiritual care in the U.S. and throughout the world to join this transformative effort to quantify and define best practices," said Rev. Eric J. Hall, president and CEO of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network.

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