Evaluation of spiritual care services at Cedars Sinai hospitals: employees' views.

Abstract

In 2022, the Spiritual Care (SC) program at Cedars-Sinai Health System in Southern California undertook an evaluation of their services. It included a survey and focus groups to learn how the staff at Cedars Sinai hospitals perceived and utilized SC services for patients, visitors, and themselves. Survey participants included 554 staff members; 314 of those reported direct contact with patients. The eight focus groups had 28 participants. Respondents with direct patient contact were aware that chaplains are available for patient and family support (302/314; 96%). A majority knew how to make a referral to SC (217/302; 72%). Focus group results emphasized the importance and value of SC while recommending ways to improve services. More education of staff is needed regarding what SC includes, when and how to refer patients to SC and the benefits of SC for staff.