Pastoral Care in Hospital: An Overview of Issues

Abstract

The benefits of a holistic approach to health care include positive outcomes for patients and financial benefits for hospitals and the community. Traditionally, holistic health care incorporated only physical, psychological and social needs of patients and excluded spiritual and religious aspects. This trend has changed in recent years with health care experiencing the integrated work of chaplains, pastoral carers and spiritual carers. As evidence supports a positive relationship between religious/spiritual involvement and physical/mental health outcomes, this development is indeed worthwhile. This literature review explores issues of spiritual care, pastoral care and chaplaincy and the relationship to quality patient care within a context of holistic health care.