A mixed-method evaluation of implementation determinants for chaplain intervention in a hospital setting

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Chaplaincy
• Implementation Science
• Spiritual Care Research

Background:

• Healthcare chaplains provide essential psychosocial and spiritual support.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing the adoption of new chaplaincy interventions.
• Evidence-based practices are increasingly important in healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine chaplain residents' attitudes towards evidence-based, manualized interventions.
• To explore decision-making processes influencing the implementation of a novel intervention (CCSH).
• To identify factors that can optimize the implementation of healthcare chaplaincy interventions.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving 39 chaplain residents.
• Pre-intervention survey assessing attitudes toward manualized interventions.
• Post-intervention semi-structured interviews exploring implementation experiences with CCSH.

Main Results:

• Most residents held favorable attitudes towards manualized approaches before training.
• Interviews revealed complex decision-making, personal motivations, and challenges in learning and implementing CCSH.
• Attitudes and experiences varied among residents.

Conclusions:

• Implementation science offers valuable insights into optimizing healthcare chaplaincy interventions.
• Understanding resident motivations and challenges is key to successful intervention adoption.
• Further research should focus on refining training and support for implementing new spiritual care interventions.