Supporting diversity in person-centred care: The role of healthcare chaplains.

Aim: To explore healthcare chaplains' experience of providing spiritual support to individuals and families from minority religious and non-religious faiths and to identify key elements of the role.

Background: Currently, there is limited research uncovering the essential elements of healthcare chaplaincy, specifically with reference to religious and/or spiritual diversity, and as interprofessional collaborators with nurses and midwives in healthcare.

Research Design And Participants: Using phenomenology, we interviewed eight healthcare chaplains from a variety of healthcare settings in the Republic of Ireland. Data were analysed using a seven-step framework comprising Moustakas' (1994) modification of the Van Kaam method of data analysis.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval was granted by the university and the principles of informed consent applied.

Findings: Three main themes emerged: what the chaplain brings; components of ritual, minority faith or no faith; and practising chaplaincy. Subthemes included 'offering', 'awareness and insight', 'acceptance and empathy', 'skilled companionship', 'presence', 'a confidant and holder of hope' and 'a vital resource'.

Discussion And Conclusions: The healthcare chaplain is a key collaborator in facilitating holistic person-centred care and in supporting healthcare professionals. Chaplaincy services are an essential but largely unrecognised and potentially cost-effective component of interprofessional team working.

Relevance To Clinical Practice: This study has illuminated key aspects of the healthcare chaplain's role as interprofessional collaborator in person-centred care, in navigating diversity and ensuring respect and dignity for the person irrespective of religious or spiritual care needs.