I see you: a Chaplain case study on existential distress and transdisciplinary support

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Medical Ethics
• Psychology

Background:

• Hospitalized patients with advanced disease and pain often experience a disconnection from their personal narratives and sense of self.
• This existential distress can impede effective care and patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the value of a palliative care team, particularly a chaplain, in reconnecting patients with their metanarratives.
• To highlight the role of the palliative chaplain in fostering a transdisciplinary approach to managing total pain.

Main Methods:

• This is a case study focusing on a hospitalized patient experiencing major disease progression and active pain.
• The palliative care team, including a chaplain, collaborated to establish goals of care and manage total pain.

Main Results:

• The palliative chaplain facilitated the patient's journey through existential distress, aiding in self-discovery and reconnection with their metanarrative.
• The chaplain's involvement encouraged a transdisciplinary approach to addressing the patient's total pain.

Conclusions:

• Palliative care teams can effectively address existential distress and disconnection in patients with advanced illness.
• The palliative chaplain plays a crucial role in enhancing patient connection to their life stories and promoting holistic pain management within a transdisciplinary framework.