Chaplains as mediators in conflicts concerning method of patients' medical care-study of the situation in Poland.

Abstract

Background and aims: Health Care Chaplains, whose primary role is to provide spiritual care to patients, their families, and medical staff, are sometimes asked for help in making difficult decisions and resolving conflicts. Their help is justified especially when religious beliefs and values constitute the root of the problem. The study aims to analyze the phenomenon of asking hospital and hospice chaplains in Poland to take on the role of mediators in conflicts concerning methods of patients' medical care.

Methods: A survey was conducted among 108 Catholic chaplains, i.e. at least 10% of all chaplains currently working in Polish hospitals and hospices. The survey was conducted using the electronic questionnaire through an intermediary with no follow-up and so self-selecting. The findings obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: Of all the respondents, 31% admitted having received requests to mediate in a conflict over patient care. Such requests were not conditional upon the type of medical facility, its location, or the chaplain's years of experience. 30% of chaplains receive requests to mediate between patients and doctors. Solving disputes between family members and members of the medical teams are less frequent (25 and 19%, respectively). The majority of the respondents (73%) accept the role of the mediator, although 46% reserve the right to refuse in certain situations.

Conclusions: Asking health care chaplains to become mediators in conflicts over patients' medical care confirms the need to include mediation skills in the course of their education and gaining professional experience.