George Handzo

TL;DR: The field would benefit from hypothesis-driven outcomes research based on a priori specification of the spiritual dimensions under investigation and their longitudinal relationship with key palliative outcomes, the use of validated measures of predictors and outcomes, and rigorous assessment of potential confounding variables.

TL;DR: It is established that patients who receive DT report high satisfaction and benefits for themselves and their families, including increased sense of meaning and purpose, and whether the DT intervention exerts an impact at a spiritual level and/or as a life completion task.

TL;DR: Findings from this report point to the need for screening and assessment tools that are rigorously developed, clinically relevant, and adapted to a diversity of clinical and cultural settings.

TL;DR: The authors, a physician and a chaplain, propose that the role of the physician is to assess spiritual needs as they relate to healthcare and then refer to a professional pastoral caregiver as indicated to address those needs.

TL;DR: There is desire among a broad range of patients, including those who claim no religion, to receive the kind of care chaplains provide, and the pattern of interventions used was similar across faith group and medical status.