Well-Designed and Staffed Multifaith Pastoral Care Departments Benefit Their Organizations By:

• Bolstering overall patient/client satisfaction, thereby encouraging both return and new business.



• Improving patient centered communication and multicultural awareness among all staff.



• Ensuring that patients’ spiritual and/or emotional needs are addressed, regardless of religious affiliation and including those with no professed faith tradition.



• Expanding the organization’s commitment to best practices.



• Enhancing age appropriate end-of-life care, pain management, and organ donation.



• Improving resolution of ethical issues, including those involving religious beliefs.



• Enhancing staff satisfaction and retention.



• Facilitating the satisfactory resolution of patient/client complaints, including assisting in complex cases.



• Strengthening relationships with the faith communities to increase referrals and enhance public image.



• Building bridges to enhance the cultural environment of the organization.



• Supporting a culture of spirituality.



• Providing spontaneous pastoral leadership at times of crisis.



• Assuring appropriate and respectful use of prayer, ritual and religious visitation.



• Ensuring compliance with JCAHO, HIPAA, and state regulations.