Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 1993
Pastoral needs and support within an inpatient rehabilitation unit.
Because patients reported concerns regarding the adequacy of pastoral service delivery during their inpatient rehabilitation hospitalization, a study was performed to ascertain the patient's pastoral needs and the extent of pastoral services provided. After discharge from the inpatient rehabilitation hospital, patients were surveyed as to their perceived religious and spiritual needs, as well as to the extent of religious, spiritual, and pastoral services provided during their inpatient stay. The majority of responders (74%) reported their religious and spiritual beliefs were important. ⋯ There is a clear need to establish a mechanism to identifying the religious and spiritual needs of each individual patient. These needs must be considered with both sensitivity and compassion by all members of the rehabilitation staff. The rehabilitation facility must also develop a mechanism to identify pastoral care resources available within the hospital and local community, and to assure that the patient's needs are addressed.