Chaplaincy Inclusion in Hospital Interdisciplinary Teams and Its Impact on Chaplains' Well-Being

Chaplaincy Inclusion in Hospital Interdisciplinary Teams and Its Impact on Chaplains’ Well-Being by Chike Nzegwu MS, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2009 BS, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2007 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University November 2018 Abstract Healthcare providers may impede the delivery of spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families by healthcare professional chaplains if they misunderstand how to effectively use chaplains, who often prefer to be engaged sooner than they are. This issue prevents highly trained, board-certified professional chaplains from providing services, thereby impacting the quality of patient care. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine, through the lived experiences of professional chaplains, the extent to which chaplains feel that others perceive them as valued members of an interdisciplinary team (IDT), as well as to determine how team inclusion may impact chaplains’ physical and emotional well-being. An adaptation of the antecedents and outcomes of inclusion theoretical framework was used. Research questions were developed to elicit to what extent professional chaplains perceived that they were valued members of IDTs and what impact inclusion had on their well-being A semistructured interview protocol with open-ended questions was used with 9 board-certified professional chaplains in the northeastern region of the United States. Data were analyzed through coding and comparison of significant responses into units of meaning toHealthcare providers may impede the delivery of spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families by healthcare professional chaplains if they misunderstand how to effectively use chaplains, who often prefer to be engaged sooner than they are. This issue prevents highly trained, board-certified professional chaplains from providing services, thereby impacting the quality of patient care. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine, through the lived experiences of professional chaplains, the extent to which chaplains feel that others perceive them as valued members of an interdisciplinary team (IDT), as well as to determine how team inclusion may impact chaplains’ physical and emotional well-being. An adaptation of the antecedents and outcomes of inclusion theoretical framework was used. Research questions were developed to elicit to what extent professional chaplains perceived that they were valued members of IDTs and what impact inclusion had on their well-being A semistructured interview protocol with open-ended questions was used with 9 board-certified professional chaplains in the northeastern region of the United States. Data were analyzed through coding and comparison of significant responses into units of meaning to reflect the phenomenon of participants’ experiences. Key findings revealed that inclusion did have an impact on the well-being of chaplains, and its impact was perceived as positive. This study may contribute to positive social change by helping to initiate training and education programs for healthcare organizations that work with and employ professional chaplains to effectively integrate chaplains into IDTs, ensuring more timely evaluation and care planning for patients and their families to achieve greater wholeness and healing. Chaplaincy Inclusion in Hospital Interdisciplinary Teams and Its Impact on Chaplains’ Well-Being by Chike Nzegwu MS, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2009 BS, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2007 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University November 2018 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to my paternal and maternal grandparents, parents, uncle, wife, and children. I cannot thank the Lord enough for what He has done, past, present, and what is yet to come. A special feeling of gratitude to my loving parents, Mr. Kenneth Osita, G.O. N. , BArch, and Mrs. Patience Eyiuche Nzegwu, BSN, RN, whose prayers and words of encouragement helped me stay the course. In admiration, I also dedicate this dissertation to my late paternal grandparents, Mr. Lazarus and Mrs. Sophie Nzegwu, and maternal grandparents, Mr. George and Mrs. Patience Onyido, who laid a strong family foundation. It is with great joy that I represent the Nzegwu family of the late Mr. Lazarus and Mrs. Sophie Nzegwu as the first doctorallevel male PhD recipient. With great appreciation, I dedicate this work to my dear late Uncle Lawrence “Larry” Uchenna Nzegwu, my namesake, who by the grace of God made it possible for my dad and his family to enjoy many opportunities in the United States. My Uncle Larry motivated me to be the best I could be and to not let any obstacles keep me from achieving my goals. I learned a great deal from his life that he shared with me, and for that I’m thankful. I also dedicate this work to my dear and loving late Aunt Dr. Christie Ifeoma Okeke, M.D., who involved me in her family practice at an early age. Lastly, I dedicate this work to my wife and children. Being a husband and father is one of the greatest joys of life. I pray that my achievement is a springboard that you will use to go further and do even greater works. To my wife, children, Godchildren, and children in the Lord, I love you. Acknowledgments This dissertation could not have been possible without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom I am forever indebted to and grateful for. I would like to acknowledge my committee. My chair, Dr. Bewley, thank you for your support and joining me on the rest of this journey to the finish line. To Dr. Griffin, thank you for your insights and sticking with me from the beginning to the end. To my URR, Dr. Cain, thank you for your timely feedback. To my first former chair, Dr. Suz, thank you for your all-around support and sharing your experiences with me. To my second former chair, Dr. Carmoney, thank you for your intangible advice and reminding me of the most important things in life. Lastly, thank you to Dr. Tammy Root, who gracefully addressed my obstacles to this accomplishment. I am thankful and grateful to all the organizations and participants who partnered with me and volunteered their time to provide their insightful input, and I pray this work helps to further chaplaincy’s place in healthcare and the greater community. An exceptional basketball team in 2016 lost their final game of the championship round, and their reigning MVP stated that even though they did not win the championship, you can still win at life. Achieving this great milestone in my life is one of many wins for me in life. I am a champion! Finally, I would like to thank all my family, friends, and church family who have poured into me and who have helped me to be the God-fearing man I am today. This work could not have been without your support of love, prayers, encouragement, and presence along the way.