Resource Library

Many institutions have policies respecting religious diversity (like allowing time for providers to observe important religious holidays or a quiet space to pray). A resource to develop these is the Healthcare Chaplaincy’s guidelines or AAMC’s “Integrating Spiritual Care” resources. The AAMC published articles on how doctors and chaplains can collaborate, emphasizing understanding patients’ spiritual needs . Providing in-service training to clinicians on taking a brief spiritual history from patients (using tools like FICA or HOPE questions) is a way of integrating spirituality into care. By training physicians in basic spiritual sensitivity, the organization supports both patient care and the physician’s own ability to engage with spirituality at work. If any such training or policy exists (for instance, an ICU policy for accommodating end-of-life religious practices), it serves as evidence for this item.