Spiritual Care During COVID-19: An Exploratory Study of the Experience of Hospital Chaplains in the Amazon Region

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a scenario of physical, social, and emotional illness that significantly increased the need for spiritual care, particularly in hospital environments, where individuals were more vulnerable, fragile, and anxious. In this context, the hospital chaplain played a strategic role within the multidisciplinary care team for hospitalized patients, serving as the primary provider of spiritual care. This article presents an experiential report of the role of hospital chaplains in providing spiritual support to the multidisciplinary team, patients, and their families in a nonprofit, religiously affiliated hospital in the Brazilian Amazon during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of the coronavirus in the hospital led to decisions that reoriented care routines to ensure quality services and the safety of both patients and staff, significantly impacting the chaplaincy service's provision of spiritual support. Like other healthcare professionals, chaplains adapted their practices. Notable changes included restricted access to patients and family members, the elimination of physical contact, continuous use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and strict adherence to hygiene protocols. Visits became shorter and required greater preparation, aiming to ensure safety for all. The chaplaincy's collaboration with the multidisciplinary team was essential in providing emotional and spiritual assistance. Through worship services, prayers, active listening, and a welcoming presence, chaplains supported professionals in facing fear, exhaustion, and grief, thereby strengthening resilience. Ultimately, spiritual care became a key pillar for collective recovery, fostering hope, meaning, and daily renewal amid the crisis.