2022 Theses Doctoral

The Role of Healthcare Chaplains During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Zemina, Luzviminda

This Applied Research Project (ARP) utilized qualitative research, specifically hermeneutic phenomenology, to investigate the vital roles of chaplains in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chaplains played a significant role in providing spiritual care to patients, their families, and staff during the pandemic. Since there were limited studies about the role of chaplains during the pandemic, this research project adds to the knowledge and resources of what is known about the role of chaplains amid the pandemic.

In this qualitative study, I convened and interviewed five Board Certified Chaplains (BCC) to identify their role during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research shows the different roles of chaplains, the interventions they used, the challenges they experienced, and the changes in their roles because of the pandemic. The result of this study tells us that the chaplain's role did not change; chaplains continue to provide spiritual care. What changed was the implementation of the care they provided and the shifting of their priorities.