Assessing the Value of Chapel Services at a Mental Health Hospital: An Exploratory Study
Issue: Vol 3 No. 2 (2015)
Journal: Health and Social Care Chaplaincy
Subject Areas: Healthcare Communication
Abstract:
This pilot study aims to explore perspectives of service users regarding the chapel services at a regional provider for forensic, mental health rehabilitation and intellectual disability services in New Zealand. Adult clients and staff were invited to fill out a brief questionnaire which focused on five key participants’ satisfaction with chapel services. Interviews were conducted to investigate what spiritual practices they found helpful. The results showed a high rate of overall satisfaction amongst the 33 respondents. Ninety four percent felt welcomed, 85% felt hopeful, 97% felt safe, 82% connected with God or higher power and 88% connected with others. Helpful spiritual practices included rituals, social support, meaningful activities and insights gained into their growth. Further studies on faith, gender and culture amongst the various mental health services including clients in locked units were recommended. As well, spiritual care services could be more integrated with other healthcare disciplines.
Author: Noel Tiano, Kath Maclean
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