CHAPLAINCY IN THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS OF PALLIATIVE CARE

INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The provision of spiritual care in Palliative Care (PC) has been considered an intrinsic part of best care practices in this context. This study aimed to investigate the role of Professional Hospital Chaplaincy within multidisciplinary PC teams. The method used was an integrative literature review, drawing from the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, and the CAPES Journal Portal. The 31 selected studies for analysis represent the state of the art regarding the role of chaplaincy in multidisciplinary teams during the period from 2015 to 2020. The studies were grouped into eight categories, highlighting the following: the limited representation of chaplains within multidisciplinary PC teams; the absence of guidelines and standardization of spiritual care in PC; the lack of interaction between chaplains and other healthcare professionals; and the need for the development of curricula and training aimed at providing spiritual care in PC. The results suggest that the integration of chaplains into multidisciplinary teams is crucial for the implementation and expansion of PC. There are challenges regarding the recognition of the need for spiritual care as a professional practice to be integrated into the PC care plan. Practical Theology and Public Theology may establish an articulated dialogue in favor of the training and integration of chaplaincy within PC teams.