These pages provide access to resources and literature relevant to the practice of palliative care for pastoral care workers and chaplains, that is those who provide pastoral and spiritual care for all people. This is regardless of whatever religion, or none, they may have.
Pastoral and spiritual ministry undertaken by chaplains and pastoral care workers, aims to respond to the diverse spiritual and emotional concerns experienced by people and those who care for them - their family, friends and healthcare staff. Pastoral and spiritual care also seeks to address a person's present needs within their unique circumstances, frameworks of meaning and spiritual expression.
A Chaplain is most often formally qualified in theology, ministry and / or pastoral care – usually ordained, but if not has a tertiary or other recognised qualification, is licensed by a religious organisation and approved by the healthcare institution in which they intend to practice pastoral care. A pastoral care worker within a healthcare context, while not necessarily formally trained or ordained by a religious organisation, will usually have a minimum level of certificate, diploma or degree training or be undergoing training in pastoral care or clinical pastoral education. they will also have the approval of their respective religious organisation and the healthcare institution in which they intend to practice pastoral care. Chaplains and pastoral care workers, more often than not, have also been trained and had substantial experience in another field (eg, nursing, teaching, social work, allied health, etc) prior to undertaking pastoral care.
Role in palliative care
Pastoral care practice within palliative care, is similar to other forms of pastoral care within other contexts (eg, Intensive Care Units, Emergency Units, etc) which, as categorised by the World Health Organization 'Pastoral Intervention Codings' (ICD-10-AM), involves (i) pastoral assessment, (ii) pastoral ministry / support, (iii) pastoral counselling and education plus (iv) pastoral ritual and worship. The uniqueness of pastoral care in palliative care settings involves an understanding of not only the basic principles of quality person-centred care within the healthcare context but also promoting and assisting in ‘health promoting palliative care’ principles to the wider community. these are two very important advocacy roles that chaplains / pastoral care workers in palliative care are ideally positioned to fulfil.
This information will help you to find out more about working in palliative care. It may include narratives from those working in the area, descriptions of the role, or why the position is important.
Palliative care education and training
There are different ways to develop your knowledge and skills in palliative care. Web based learning modules, short courses and specialist palliative care courses and training are offered in many organisations and universities. Further information can be found on the Education pages of CareSearch.
The Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) is an initiative under the National Palliative Care Program. It is a supported multidisciplinary course with work placements, offered across the country funded until 2010.
Research
Many health professionals may be interested in looking at palliative care research questions in their area of specialty. This may be work that is planned for the future. Any palliative care professional regardless of discipline is able to access the CareSearch Research Data Management System (RDMS).
The Australian Chaplaincy Utility Research (AUSCUR) Team also provided a variety of research based articles to support chaplains and pastoral care workers (in all areas). Most of this research and evaluation is now based upon the World Health Organization ‘Pastoral Intervention Codings’ (ICD-10-AM).
Resources
Palliative care links and information
Palliative Care Australia is the peak national organisation representing the interests and aspirations of all who share the ideal of quality care at the end of life for all. It has produced the following policy documents:
The Department of Health and Ageing website has a palliative care section.
Related CareSearch pages
What is palliative care?
Clinical practice
Professional considerations
Further Reading
This page was created on 22 September 2008 and is due for review in September 2010
Last updated 23 March 2009