bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravascular Ultrasound Measurements After Drug-Eluting Stent Placement in Femoropopliteal Lesions
Authors: Mori Shinsuke , Hirano Keisuke , Nakano Masatsugu , Muramatsu Toshiya , Tsukahara Reiko , Ito Yoshiaki , Ishimori Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between postprocedure intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings and restenosis after placement of drug-eluting stents (DES) for femoropopliteal lesions.

Methods:

Between July 2012 and May 2013, DES were placed in 64 patients with 88 de novo femoropopliteal lesions. In 40 patients (mean age 74.2±9.4 years; 27 men), DES were placed in 50 lesions under IVUS guidance, and restenosis was monitored for 1 year. All patients were symptomatic (Rutherford 2–6), and 17 patients (43%) suffered from critical limb ischemia. IVUS findings after stenting were compared for patients with vs without restenosis, which was defined as a peak systolic velocity ratio >2.4 on duplex ultrasonography or >50% diameter stenosis on angiography.

Results:

Ten patients (14 lesions) developed restenosis, while 30 patients (36 lesions) did not. There were no significant differences in the frequency of diabetes or dialysis between the 2 groups. Female patients were predominant in the restenosis group (p<0.003). There were no significant differences of the percentage of TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C/D lesions or stent edge dissection. Multivariate analysis indicated that cilostazol use [odds ratio (OR) 0.13; p=0.046], distal lumen cross-sectional area (CSA) (OR 0.86; p=0.035), and axial symmetry index (OR 0.60; p=0.045) were independent predictors of restenosis. Using receiver operator characteristic analysis, the best cutoff values of the distal lumen CSA and axial symmetry index for predicting restenosis were 17.1 cm2 and 0.6, respectively.

Conclusion:

IVUS guidance of DES placement in femoropopliteal lesions can offer useful predictors of restenosis at 1 year. The utility of distal lumen CSA and the axial symmetry index in the prediction of restenosis after femoropopliteal DES placement should be confirmed in a larger cohort.
Crossover Chimney Technique to Preserve the Internal Iliac Artery During Endovascular Repair of Iliac or Aortoiliac Aneurysms
Authors: Wu I-Hui , Chou Heng-Wen , Chang Chin-Hao , Lin Ching-Feng , Chi Nai-Hsin , Wang Shoei-Shen
Published: May 2015

Purpose: To report our midterm results of the crossover chimney technique to preserve the internal iliac artery (IIA) in patients with aortoiliac aneurysms (AIA) and isolated common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA). Methods: Between May 2012 and January 2014, 14 consecutive patients (mean age 77.3 years; all men) with 17 AIA, isolated CIAAs, or abdominal aortic aneurysms with short CIAs underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the crossover chimney technique to preserve the IIA. Follow-up assessment, including computed tomographic angiography or duplex ultrasound, was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. Results: Technical success, defined as successful preservation of IIA without intraoperative type I or III endoleak, was 100%. Over a mean 14.3 months (range 6–21), primary patency was 92.8%. There was no early or late procedure-related mortality. Among the 17 iliac aneurysms excluded, the sac diameter significantly (at least 5 mm) decreased in 3, decreased <5 mm in 10, and did not change in 4. Conclusion: The crossover chimney technique is a simple and safe alternative for IIA endovascular revascularization with high technical success and acceptable midterm patency.
Long-term Comparative Outcomes of Carotid Artery Stenting Following Previous Carotid Endarterectomy vs De Novo Lesions
Authors: Mousa Albeir Y. , AbuRahma Ali F. , Bozzay Joseph , Broce Mike , Kali Maher , Yacoub Michael , Stone Patrick , Bates Mark C.
Published: May 2015

Purpose: To report the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS) for de novo carotid stenosis vs patients treated for restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all 385 patients (mean age 68.6±9.6 years; 231 men) who underwent 435 CAS procedures at a large tertiary care center between January 1999 and December 2013. For analysis, patients were stratified based on their lesion type [de novo (dn) vs post-CEA restenosis (res)] and subclassified by symptoms status [symptomatic (Sx) or asymptomatic (Asx)], creating 4 groups: (1) CAS-dn Asx, (2) CAS-dn Sx, (3) CAS-res Asx, and (4) CAS-res Sx. For the CAS-res group, the mean elapsed time from CEA to CAS was 72.4±63.6 months. Outcomes included target vessel reintervention (TVR) and in-stent restenosis (ISR), the latter defined by a carotid duplex ultrasound velocity >275 cm/s. Results: The main indication for initial carotid angiography with possible revascularization was severe carotid stenosis (≥70%-99% on duplex) in both CAS-dn and CAS-res groups (83.6% vs 83.7%, p=0.999). There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients with postintervention residual stenosis (<30%; 100% each arm) or complications between CAS-res vs CAS-dn: in-hospital stroke (1.4% vs 1.8%, respectively), myocardial infarction (0.9% vs 0%), or death (0.9% vs 0%). Mean follow-up was 62.4±45.6 months (median 53.5, range 1–180). Average clinical/TVR follow-up was greater for the CAS-res group (71.9±48.6 months) compared with 53.3±40.5 months for the CAS-dn group (p<0.001). Across the 4 study groups, there were no differences in freedom from ISR (p=0.174) or TVR (p=0.856). Multivariate analysis found peripheral vascular disease (PVD) as the sole ISR independent predictor [hazard ratio (HR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 3.62, p=0.041], while significant predictors for TVR were age <65 years at the time of the procedure (HR 2.55, 95% CI 1.05 to 6.18, p=0.039) and PVD (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.03 to 5.87, p=0.043). Conclusion: The current study suggests that CAS is a feasible and durable therapeutic option for recurrent restenosis after CEA. Long-term outcomes were similar for patients treated for de novo lesions or post-CEA restenosis. Age and PVD appear to influence long-term CAS durability.
An African Therapy in Dialogue with Freudian Psychoanalysis
Authors: Berinyuu Abraham A.
Published: May 2015

This article summarizes and compares selected characteristics of Freudian psychoanalysis and of African psychotherapy. The author concludes that the Freudian emphasis on the individual and the African therapy's emphasis on the community may both lead to the positive restoration of both therapies' clients.
Professional Satisfaction among U.S. Healthcare Chaplains
Authors: Crossley Kent
Published: May 2015

This article reports the results of a questionnaire sent to 1,099 chaplains with board certification from the Association of Professional Chaplains regarding determinants of professional satisfaction among U.S. healthcare chaplains.
Developing an Adequate “Pneumatraumatology”: Understanding the Spiritual Impacts of Traumatic Injury
Authors: Bidwell Duane R.
Published: May 2015

Psychosocial interventions and systematic theology are primary resources for chaplains and congregational pastors who care for victims of physical trauma. Yet these resources may not be adequate to address the spiritual impacts of trauma. This article proposes a preliminary “pneumatraumatology,” drawing on early Christian asceticism and Buddhist mysticism to describe one way of understanding the spiritual impacts of traumatic injury. It also suggests possible responses to these impacts informed by narrative/constructionist perspectives and Brueggemann's understanding of the dimensions of spiritual transformation in the Hebrew Bible.
Review of Quantity and Types of Spirituality Research in Three Health Care Databases (1962–1999): Implications for the Health Care Ministry
Authors: O'Connor Thomas St. James , McCarroll-Butler Pam , Meakes Elizabeth , Davis Andrea , Jadad Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Using computer technology to identify the term “spiritual,” these researchers present results of the 2306 citations and compare five criteria discovered with research reported in four pastoral counseling journals. The authors note the limitations of such a search and the possible implications of the findings for health care ministry.
Pastoral Counseling Training: Training Goals in a Changing Environment
Authors: Hightower James E.
Published: May 2015

Pastoral counseling training is redefining itself in a changing environment. Theological education and ordination and church relatedness once was the crucible that shaped pastoral counselors. Today that formation process is being redefined as an increasing number of non-theologically trained students who are not seeking ordination come to increasingly fewer pastoral counseling training programs for formation in integrating spirituality and psychotherapy. This article outlines a statement of who an ideal intern would be in one pastoral counseling training program, lists fourteen goals of the training program along with the method of achievement, and who in the training program is responsible to see that the goals are accomplished.
“Give Sorrow Words”: Lament—Contemporary Need for Job's Old Time Religion
Authors: Byrne Patricia Huff
Published: May 2015

The author explores the many meanings and interpretations often assigned to the Book of Job and finds in the notion of lament a particularly helpful understanding, especially for pastoral caregivers often called upon to work with persons experiencing sorrow, loss, and human suffering.
Helen Flanders Dunbar, John Dewey, and Clinical Pragmatism: Reflections on Method in Psychosomatic Medicine and Bioethics
Authors: Hart Curtis W.
Published: May 2015

This article outlines the method utilized by physicians and major figures in the founding of Clinical Pastoral Education, Helen Flanders Dunbar, in her work of 1943, Psychosomatic Diagnosis, and relates it to the currently evolving approach in bioethics known as clinical pragmatism. It assesses Dewey's influence on both Dunbar in psychosomatic medicine and clinical pragmatism in bioethics, and illustrates the breadth of influence of the school of philosophical thought known as pragmatism with which Dewey's name and those of William James and Charles Sanders Pierce are most often identified.
The Clergy as Advocates for the Severely Demented
Authors: Lapsley James N.
Published: May 2015

The author sets forth the argument that pastoral caregivers ought to consider expanding their traditional role of ministering to dementia patients by pressing the issue of whether appropriate medication might significantly lessen the suffering of these persons. After discussing and documenting the current understanding regarding the nature of pain, the author outlines several advocacy, ethical, and procedural issues that could be included in providing pastoral care to this population, at the same time not minimizing more traditional faith-based activities.
Nearly Everything We Wish Our Non-Jewish Supervisors Had Known about Us as Jewish Supervisees
Authors: Taylor Rabbi Bonita E. , Zucker Rabbi David J.
Published: May 2015

The authors observe that Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) developed out of a Protestant setting. Much of its thinking and writing therefore is heavily laden with Christian orientation and terminology. Sharing a general theological framework, most Christians read these words and think of the same–or similar–ideas. However, Jews neither start with nor share the same theological beliefs. Jewish students perpetually ask themselves, “If the premise isn't true for me, can the conclusion still contain meaning?” Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Often, the resulting conflict leaves Jewish students feeling alienated from their CPE supervisors and peers. Few CPE supervisors realize that although everyone is reading the same material there are (at least) two “nations” present that are processing it differently. This article, by two National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) Board-Certified Rabbis, presents twelve key points about Judaism and Jewish thought to help non-Jewish CPE supervisors and chaplains in their work with Jewish supervisees and patients (residents, et al.).
Pastoral Hermeneutics and the Challenge of a Global Economy: Care to the Living Human Web
Authors: Louw D. J.
Published: May 2015

The author discusses the relationship between a pastoral hermeneutics and the current social context as determined by international communication and globalization. He explores the influence of telecommunications on the human quest for meaning and the implication of this for pastoral care and counseling. A paradigm shift is proposed in terms of care to the living human web. A pastoral assessment which interprets the undergirding philosophy and belief system of globalization and its influence on human dignity is suggested; and a pastoral ministry which takes up its prophetic task and voices the needs of people in terms of a “globalization from below” is explicated.
Clinical Pastoral Education: Reflections on the past and Future of a Movement
Authors: Jernigan Homer L.
Published: May 2015

In the year 2000, the celebration of seventy-five years of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the United States included attention to the history of the movement. A history of the past twenty-five years of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) was published, plus several regional histories. This article grows out of the author's study of the history of the Northeast Region of ACPE in the context of the history of the Clinical Pastoral Education movement. The focus of this article is “the vision question”; that is, “What has happened to the visions of clinical training that were important in the beginning of the movement?” The history of the relations of clinical training to theological education is traced from the beginnings of CPE to the present time, with special emphasis on developments in the Northeast. Two implications of this historical review for the future of the movement are suggested.
Clinical Pastoral Education: A Physician's Experience and Reflection on the Meaning of Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
Authors: Tarumi Yoko , Taube Anna , Watanabe Sharon
Published: May 2015

In this article a physician reflects on her experience as a chaplain intern and how this Clinical Pastoral Education experience led to a deeper understanding of spiritual care in the palliative setting.
Blended Families/Sarah, Hagar, and All That…
Authors: Zucker David J.
Published: May 2015

A rabbi/chaplain listens to a 21st century woman tell about some complexities encountered in the blended family dynamics. He reminds her that such stressful phenomena are not as new as many believe, illustrating his point by interpreting the biblical account of Sarah and Hagar, noting particularly that some of the same decisions and actions taken in ancient times may still provide authentic insights to current family dynamics today.
The Spiritual Journey of an Organ Transplant Patient
Authors: Shuford Robert W.
Published: May 2015

In this article, a hospital chaplain presents a detailed narrative of the psychological, emotional, and spiritual dynamics of an organ transplant patient. The chaplain explicates the many complex factors that may characterize an organ transplant patient's recovery and the many persons—family members and hospital personnel—who can be impacted by such a journey.
Catholic Pastoral Care as a Response to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Southern Africa
Authors: Bate Stuart C.
Published: May 2015

Recent estimates suggest that more than 10% of Southern Africa is HIV+. This article is based on a research study of sixty four pastoral care projects focussing on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Southern Africa. The projects, which fall under the auspices of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference AIDS office, focus on both education for HIV prevention and the pastoral care of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The article recounts the results achieved by these projects over the last two years, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and proposes some recommendations for further action. The author discusses the pastoral and theological dimensions of these pastoral services indicating the importance of socio-cultural mediation in pastoral responses.
The Role of Religious Resources for Older Adults Coping with Illness
Authors: Gall Terry Lynn
Published: May 2015

The present study investigated the role of religious/spiritual appraisal and coping among a community sample of older adults with illness. In particular this study explored the relationship between these religious resources and nonreligious cognitive appraisals ( e.g., threat) and coping behavior in response to illness. These religious resources were related to more adaptive forms of general appraisal and coping. For example, meaning-making related to God ( e.g., God's will) was linked to more positive appraisals of the illness and its potential to lead to growth. As well, various forms of religious coping behavior were associated with older adults' use of positive reframing and active forms of general coping. Such findings have implications for counselors and health care providers in their work with older adults adjusting to illness.
“For the Hatching of our Hearts”: Friendship, Pastoral Care, and the Formation for Ministry
Authors: Woggon Frank
Published: May 2015

The author explores the notion of friendship by drawing on personal and ministry experience, as well as on philosophical and biblical insights, in order to suggest a dynamic practice of pastoral care and a process of ministry formation which transcends the professional paradigm and the peership principle. He suggests that the power to bless, the ability to extend grace, and the potential for change are dynamics of friendship which are effective both in pastoral care and in ministry formation.
Christian-based Counseling for the Suicide Survivor: A Guide for Pastoral Therapy
Authors: Wilkens Nicholas Todd
Published: May 2015

This article addresses the history of stigmatization experienced by suicide survivors, specifically through biblical and theological thought evolving from the Christian Church. Contemporary understandings and attitudes are then assimilated. Four grief stages specific to the grief experience of the suicide survivor are introduced—anger, guilt, shame, and loss—with suggested approaches at each state intended to aid the pastoral counselor in better understanding and ministering to the suicide survivor. A summary of a recommended congregational response is also provided.
“Worlds Apart”: Truth Telling in the Case of Mrs. VV
Authors: Cousineau Amy , Chow Michael , Brezden Patricia
Published: May 2015

This article discussed how the views of a terminal cancer patient and her family, who were immigrants from Romania, differed from those of her North American caregivers. It presents evidence about truth telling to cancer patients in Eastern Europe and general cultural differences in attitudes to truth telling. Literature on how to span the gap between different cultural worlds is reviewed. Conclusions address ways to minister to patients who come from “different worlds” than their caregivers.
Spiritual Pain: A Brief Overview and an Initial Response within the Christian Tradition
Authors: Burton Rod
Published: May 2015

The author notes that spiritual pain is widespread, both within individuals and society. Drawing on personal experiences and a literature survey, he offers an overview of current work on spiritual pain. As distinct from palliative caregivers, he suggests that spiritual pain can be noticed, but is difficult to define. Drawing on some of the Church's spiritual masters, the author offers a broad typology for spiritual pain, claiming that current methods for attending to spiritual pain are too complex to be useful. He therefore offers, and briefly explores, the image of retreat for attending to spiritual pain—compassionate hospitality, tempered by a form of “tough love” that enables the retreatant to embrace, welcome, and dialogue with pain. He suggests that essential features within such an image include an experience of support; a safe and sacred space, a sense of freedom; appropriate expressions of reassurance, and opportunities for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Self-Mutilation: A Spiritual Endeavor
Authors: Pinks Heather
Published: May 2015

This article explores the phenomenon of self-mutilatory behaviors among practitioners both today and throughout history with the intent of exposing what the author finds to be a radical correlation between mental illness and spirituality. It is the author's belief that today's strong focus on the biology of mental illness, though essential, will extend us only so far in our comprehension of mental pathology; and that an investigation into the spiritual needs of humankind may serve to round out our understanding.
What Language Shall I Borrow? The Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke and the Care of Souls
Authors: Jones Logan C.
Published: May 2015

This article suggests that the reality of the world is socially constructed through the words and narratives chosen and used. These social constructions may be from science and technology, business and economics, or poetry and metaphors, and as such each shapes a different world. The work of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke is used to illustrate how the power of words and images shape and form the world. The implications of the use of language for the care of souls are discussed.
Promoting Patient Safety: Implications for Pastoral Care
Authors: Berlinger Nancy
Published: May 2015

This article provides an overview of current issues in patient safety, the subject of recently-implemented JCAHO standards, with attention to issues of special interest to pastoral care professionals and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students. Case studies of patient safety initiatives in two health care systems are used to illustrate the relationship between institutional core values and the just treatment of injured patients and their families, and to suggest opportunities for chaplains to contribute to patient safety efforts in their institutions. A list of suggested readings and online resources is included.
Marital and Relationship Ministry (MRM) as a Tenant of Pastoral Care
Authors: Akagi Cynthia G. , Bergen M. Betsy
Published: May 2015

Although marital and relationship support programs are available for couples, few churches offer comprehensive marital and relationship ministry (MRM). This research examined MRM topics and formats desired by congregants and advocated adoption by clergy of MRM as a tenant of pastoral care. Eight faith communities in a Midwestern city were non-randomly selected for ethnic and denominational diversity. Overall analyses indicated congregants desired specific areas of marital and relationship ministry that included communication, family, and enrichment topics.
On Evil, Sin, and Suffering: Toward a Hermeneutic of Their Relation
Authors: Merry Michael
Published: May 2015

Historically, evil, illness, and suffering have been interpreted in religious communities as having the imprint of Providence. Many traditions continue to hold to this worldview. But increasingly with the burgeoning of technology and the advent of palliative care, more and more religious persons struggle to maintain this belief. Suffering as such no longer holds the kind of “purifying effect” that it once was thought to have. Indeed, particularly with our capacity to mitigate physical suffering with drugs such as methadone and morphine, the belief that all suffering has a purpose seems to have lost its appeal. This article examines and challenges the underlying assumptions that continue to undergird religious communities—particularly sacramental ones—that evil, illness, and suffering are linked to notions such as sin and healing.
Virtual Visiting Seminar Replaces Verbatim Seminar in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Authors: Wilson Douglas R.
Published: May 2015

The article addresses the question of the value of the virtual visiting seminar compared to the verbatim seminar in a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Unit. A Virtual Visit occurs when a volunteer allows a CPE student to engage them in a pastoral visit with the expressed purpose of providing feedback to the student The effectiveness of the virtual visiting seminar was monitored by a Site Review Team, two independent expert witnesses, by students who have experienced both learning tools, and the Education Sub Committee of the Pastoral Care Advisory Committee. The results point to advantages of the virtual visiting seminar over the verbatim seminar.
PAUSE for Assessment: A Multi-Level Long-Term Care Assessment Tool
Authors: Jackson Laura Waters
Published: May 2015

The author of this article noes that as health care improves, paradoxically, long-term care residents become “older and sicker.”In response, many facilities now offer a wide range of levels of residential care, from independent living to Hospice care—and all under the same roof. Chaplains in such facilities can play a key part in identifying changes in individual residents' needs over time. Toward this end, the author introduces PAUSE—a one-page questionnaire designed to be completed by the chaplain after a visit with a resident. The items reflect the chaplain's impressions of several key aspects of the resident's well-being from a single interaction. The questionnaire serves several purposes: it documents the fact of a visit; it allows comparison of impressions at different times and by different visitors; and it quickly highlights “red flag” areas of possible concern for interdisciplinary referral, pastoral follow-up, or possible change in level of care. It might also function as a teaching tool for student chaplains.
A Working Theology of Prison Ministry
Authors: Hall Stephen T.
Published: May 2015

Drawing upon experiences as a prison chaplain and a state director of prison chaplaincy services, the author proposes a working theology of prison ministry. Such a theology begins with an understanding of the inherent worth of humankind as created by God in God's own image, addresses the question of hope, embodies the incarnate presence of God by being present with people in their alienation, enables the giving and receiving of forgiveness, deals with issues of power and control, and respects the diverse paths that humans take in their walk toward and with God.
Pastoral Care in a Time of Global Market Capitalism
Authors: Poling James
Published: May 2015

The author defines pastoral theology as “the study of the micro-world of intrapsychic and interpersonal interactions with the tools of theology and the social sciences for the purpose of support and healing. In a typical class or supervisory session, we analyze the words, voice inflection, pace, and gestures of an intimate conversation between two people, looking for clues to the deep structure of personality and intimate relationships. The hope of such study is that we will see the revelation of Godís love and power in action to validate and challenge the theological traditions that give us eyes to see and invite us to see more clearly.”1
What is Spiritual? What is Spiritual Suffering?
Authors: Bartel Mark
Published: May 2015

The author offers definitions for “spiritual” and for “spiritual suffering,” suggesting that human spiritual needs include Love, Faith, Hope, Virtue, and Beauty. Spiritual suffering is experienced when these needs are unfulfilled. Spiritual care involves assisting in the fulfillment of these needs. He considers the constant movement between spiritual needs and fulfillments, encouraging use of fluid (not static) assessment methods using “spiritual spectra.” As a model, this outline of basic spiritual needs may serve as the foundation for many current spiritual assessment tools.
Relationship Building in Clinical Pastoral Education: A Confucian Reflection from Asian Chaplains
Authors: Kwon Soo-Young , Le Anthony Duc
Published: May 2015

The authors reflect on the intentional model of relationship building in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and its roots in the Western concept of the self as a rational, autonomous, and bounded agent. They compare the Western idea to the Confucian two-dimensional self orientation as relational as well as autonomous, and discuss possible difficulties that Asian students from Confucian background may encounter entering CPE. The chaplains explore implications and suggestions for how CPE supervisors and students may enter into dialogue in order to create mutual understanding and help Asian students translate CPE learning methods into meaningful cultural contexts.
Chaplain Contacts Improve Treatment Outcomes in Residential Treatment Programs for Delinquent Adolescents
Authors: Hausmann Eugene
Published: May 2015

This is a report of a study of 828 delinquent adolescents who completed behavioral treatment during 1995, 1996, 1997 in Holy Cross Children's Services programs. The research focused on a measure of chaplain contact time with each youth, and three outcome variables: “planned release” (program completion), living situation at 12 months after discharge, and a calculated cost of care for the 12 month graduates. The findings include statistically significant correlations between chaplain time and all three preferred outcome measures. The results were significant when age, number of prior incarcerations and religiosity variables were controlled for in a regression analysis. When the costs of aftercare for the graduates were computed, the average cost-of care-per-day of the no-Chaplain-contact graduates was significantly higher than that of the high-contact group. Based on the findings, the author suggests that chaplain involvement in the behavioral treatment of delinquent adolescents improves outcomes and is cost effective.
Pastoral Research: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Gleason John J.
Published: May 2015

In healthcare environments of excellence, clinically trained chaplains are valued members of the medical treatment team. There are skills and values they hold in common with medicine and allied health disciplines: enhancing the health and well-being of the patient as a unity of body, mind, and spirit within a unique family and cultural system. This article examines the past, present, and future of pastoral research, including the chaplain's moral imperative to examine practice and to share what is found.
A Challenge to Church Leaders: The Necessity of Supervision for Ordained Ministers
Authors: LaMothe Ryan
Published: May 2015

This article is an explicit challenge to church leaders and ministers of all denominations to take seriously the necessity of obligatory supervision for ordained ministers. To support this challenge, the author describes fundamental principles of pastoral care that found the moral demand for and benefits of the supervision of pastoral practice. Before offering practical suggestions on the implementation of supervision, reasons for the personal and institutional resistance to supervision of ordained ministers are depicted.
Existential, Theological, and Psychological Concepts of Death: A Personal Retrospective
Authors: Lawbaugh William M.
Published: May 2015

Before Freud, the study of death belonged strictly in the contexts of religion and philosophy, but in the 20th Century, death and dying began to enter into dialogue with the social sciences of psychology and sociology. The existentialists began to portray death differently in their literary-based philosophy, and by the end of the century four major American writers had dealt squarely with death in a theological framework. The author's own personal experiences and academic endeavors frame this evolution in theories about death and dying, beginning with a Master's thesis in college and ending with a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in a shock trauma hospital. In this article the mystery of death is examined from three distinct points of view: literary (including existentialism, a philosophy as literature), theological and psychological, based upon the author's career as a professor of literature, as seminary student, and as a recent participant in Clinical Pastoral Education. An attempt at a synthesis of these three strands of inquiry is made at the end of this personal and academic journey.
Clergy Dissatisfaction: Denominational Hierarchy as a Salient Factor
Authors: Rugenstein Keli
Published: May 2015

The author contends that there is a perceived lack of support from denominational hierarchy, and that the impact of this lack on clergy has been overlooked in the literature. The factor is important because it will underpin the success of any strategies attempted to address the cited stressors. As well, no treatment strategy for those who struggle with these issues has been defined which seems to ignore that this unique population requires unique considerations.
Same-Sex Attraction, Homosexual Orientation, and Gay Identity: A Three-Tier Distinction for Counseling and Pastoral Care
Authors: Yarhouse Mark A.
Published: May 2015

Given recent prevalence estimates most pastoral caregivers and counselors will work with persons who experience same-sex attraction (SSA). Many of the people who experience SSA will report such a consistency in the directionality and intensity of their attractions that they think of themselves as having a homosexual orientation. Others will integrate their experiences of SSA into a gay identity. What can facilitate pastoral care and counseling is an intentional use of this three-tier distinction: experiences of SSA, homosexual orientation, and gay identity. A discussion of this three-tier distinction is followed by specific suggestions for utilizing this conceptual framework as a resource in pastoral care and counseling.
Programmatic Staff Care in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: King Stephen D. , Jarvis Debra , Cornwell Marilyn
Published: May 2015

Traditionally, chaplains have provided care for staff through consultation, informal conversation, grief work, and more formal counsel and ritual. This article discusses four programmatic approaches to staff care created in response to particular assessed needs: “Finding Soul” addresses staff care needs to find meaning and joy in their work and to contribute to the “soul” of the institution. “Existential Expedition” helps staff both deal with their accumulated grief and provide better direct care around existential issues being faced by their patients. “After Book” provides a way for staff to have closure with parents/families and to provide holistic care to families after discharge from the system. “The Labyrinth Program” provides staff with an opportunity to de-stress and to attend to their emotional and spiritual well-being. Focused upon staff care, these programs also secondarily benefit both patients/families and the vision and mission of the institution.
Seeking Meaning in Late Stage Dementia
Authors: Woodman Charles E.
Published: May 2015

The author uses case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of two techniques which pastoral caregivers may teach to family carers of dementia patients. In the last stages of dementia, it is important to seek meaning and keep in significant contact as long as possible, both for family members as well as for the dementia patients. After a brief literature review, implications for care theory, practice, and policy are reviewed, and a scientific bias is illustrated. These techniques build on the work of C. G. Jung and James Hillman, utilizing metaphor in non-rational uses of language. It is suggested that pastoral caregivers could teach these techniques to families of this population, in the hope of prolonging meaningful connection with their loved one.
Enlarging Hope for Wholeness: Ministry with Persons in Pain
Authors: Underwood Ralph L.
Published: May 2015

The author explores the many spiritual ramifications of chronic pain on a person's faith and theology. He suggests that much of contemporary Christian religion, often preoccupied with health and wholeness, may overlook the role chronic pain plays in forming the soul. Making a plea for more cogent ways for the Christian to interrelate a vision of God with the practice of ministry, he expresses the hope that such an enlargement of vision will enhance the sustaining and healing power of pastoral ministry to persons in chronic pain.
“In the Storminess”: Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Scriptural Images Representing Ethical Challenges in the Pastor-Congregant Relationship
Authors: O'Connor Thomas St. James , Walsh-Bowers Richard , Ross Christopher , Sawchuk Dana , Hatzipantelis Maria
Published: May 2015

In this qualitative study the authors examine the Scriptural images that 10 Lutheran pastors employed in describing the ethical challenges in the pastor-congregant relationship. The analysis of Scriptural images is part of a larger study on pastors' experiences of a mandatory workshop, “Crossing the Boundaries (CTB),” which is required of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) seminarians. The pastors' images were analyzed from the four perspectives of depth psychology, theology, social ethics, and sociology. In commenting on tensions in the pastors' Scriptural images the authors note commonalities among the four theoretical perspectives and discuss implications for practice and future research.
Immigrant Asian Youth and Cultural-Identity Challenges: Implications for Pastoral Counseling Practice
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen D.
Published: May 2015

Immigrant Asian youth's five cultural-identity stages and their challenges are examined. Theological significance in working with immigrant Asian youth is also the focus of this article. The essay concludes with implications for pastoral counseling practice, with respect to culturally sensitive effective therapeutic treatment of immigrant Asian youth and their families.
Which Topics are Important to Address in Premarital Counseling? A Survey of Clergy
Authors: Murray Christine E.
Published: May 2015

Pastoral counselors who provide premarital counseling must address the topics that are most relevant to couples as they prepare for marriage. This article presents the results of a survey of clergy who provide premarital counseling, demonstrating the relative importance that clergy ascribe to premarital counseling topics, as well as the relationship between religious affiliation and ratings of topic importance.
A Model for Outpatient Care
Authors: King Stephen D. , Jarvis Debra , Schlosser-Hall Adrienne
Published: May 2015

Chaplains have seriously discussed outpatient care for a number of years. This article describes a model of thorough and intentional outpatient care that is practiced in conjunction with an inpatient care to cancer populations. Rationales, values, institutional dynamics, and clinical care are discussed. Although the focus is on outpatient care where slightly more than 50% of personnel resources are invested, the care also occurs in the context of both inpatient care and follow-up care after discharge to home. A general model of spiritual and religious care and more specific models pertinent to hematopoietic stem cell transplant populations and general oncology populations are described. The models attend times of distress and times of “ordinary” and celebratory experiences, attend care of patient, caregiver, and staff.
Contemplation and Compassion: The Heart of a Franciscan Spirituality of Clinical Pastoral Supervision
Authors: Brice John , Kourie Celia
Published: May 2015

After five years of supervising CPE modules in two different hospitals in South Africa, a chaplain supervisor reflects on how his Franciscan spirituality had impacted his supervisory ministry. He describes how he was able to narrow the impact to two defining Franciscan qualities: contemplation and compassion. This article explores the relationship between spirituality and clinical pastoral supervision. Then the Franciscan dimension of contemplation and compassion of Franciscan spirituality are considered. Finally some contours of a Franciscan spirituality of clinical pastoral supervision are described.
Pastoral Products or Pastoral Care? How Marketplace Language Affects Ministry in Veterans Hospitals
Authors: Rosell Tarris D.
Published: May 2015

The author describes a veterans hospital context of healthcare ministry in which marketplace terminology, adopted institutionally, also impacts the Chaplain Service. He highlights specific elements of this commercialization of pastoral care, such as computerized documentation of “spiritual products” delivered in increments of ten minute units. Noting the power of language both to describe and create realities, the author suggests likely risks accompanying benefits of healthcare chaplaincy carried out on marketplace terms.
Spiritual Care as eHealth: A Systematic Review
Authors: van Nooten Johan , Oh Hans , Koning Frederic J. , Pierce Bruce , Jadad Alejandro (Alex) R.
Published: May 2015

A systematic review was undertaken of the literature on the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT's) in the provision and support of religious and spiritual care in healthcare. Indexes such as Medline, PsychoINFO and Proquest Religion were searched. The review found little systematic study of the effectiveness of the Internet and other ICT's in religious and spiritual care. It is believed that the results of this review provide a basis for the further exploration of the potential and promise of ICT's for spiritual care in healthcare.
Spiritual Coaching in Cancer Patients: Treating the Spirit as Well as the Disease
Authors: Levy Robert D. , Chan June
Published: May 2015

Interest in the exploration of spirituality in medical practice has been growing recently due to some studies suggesting its role in the improvement of patient well-being and quality of life. This project examined the feasibility of providing spiritual coaching with patients in an outpatient Radiation Oncology clinic setting. The purpose of spiritual coaching was to provide patients with opportunities to explore their current spiritual lives, increase their involvement in spiritually enhancing activities, and expand their spiritual opportunities. Quality-of-life measurements focused on feelings of hopefulness and distress were used in patients undergoing radiation treatment for cancer. This study suggests that there is a potential benefit for spiritual coaching in the care of cancer patients, and future studies will be done to further elucidate the relationship of spirituality and quality of life in this population.
The Clergy: A Valuable Resource for Church Members with Alcohol Problems
Authors: Hatchett Bonnie F. , Solomon Rachel V. , Miller Jared B. , Holmes Karen Y.
Published: May 2015

The role of the minister or pastor is pivotal in the development and operation of church-based services and programs and in the delivery of services. They can initiate changes and can equip the officers and members so that families troubled by substance abuse issues can find a climate of acceptance, understanding, and recovery in the local congregation. They can also serve as a referral source to members of the mental health professionals for assistance with alcohol and other substance abuse problems. For our purposes in this article, the term “clergy” refers to congregational and parish clergy. The focus of this discussion pertains to the role of clergy in providing assistance for members of their congregations with substance abuse problems. Implications and recommendations for collaborations and specific resources are also included that may increase the awareness of those issues and to increase effectiveness of service to those needing it.
The Psalms of Lament and the Transformation of Sorrow
Authors: Jones Logan C.
Published: May 2015

This article explores how the psalms of lament can be used as a resource for pastoral care, and how ultimately they point toward the transformation of sorrow. Relying on Walter Brueggemann's scheme of orientation - disorientation - new orientation as a way to recognize the depth of human experience, the article sees the laments as honest engagement and dialogue with God within a covenantal relationship where hurt and pain are acknowledged rather than denied and avoided. The implications of using the psalms of lament in pastoral care and in Clinical Pastoral Education are discussed.
Murder and Faith: A Reflected Case Study of Pastoral Interventions in Traumatic Grief
Authors: Blakley Theresa L.
Published: May 2015

Pastoral response to death in the family of a congregate is familiar terrain for most ministers. Pastors are often called upon to pray for the sick, comfort the bereaved, and preside at memorial services and graveside gatherings. While most get some orientation in the work of death and dying in seminary, few are prepared to minister effectively to church members who suffer traumatic bereavement caused by human-perpetrated violence. This paper describes the power of facilitated cathartic narrative, bearing witness, and reflective meaning-making in a case study involving a pastor, his wife, and the grief-stricken widow of a murdered comrade in ministry.
Will We Ring the Bell? Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with the Salvation Army
Authors: Keese Peter
Published: May 2015

This article describes an “experimental” Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, designed for eight Salvation Army Officers [Ministers] who were located in cities from Washington, DC to Antonio, Texas. The four Consecutive Units were accomplished over a two year span, with most of the work taking place by e-mail and long-distance telephone conference calls. One of the important questions to be answered is, “Can CPE be done mostly long-distance?”
A Spiritual Issues Discussion Group for Psychiatric in-Patients
Authors: Popovsky Rabbi Mark
Published: May 2015

This article describes a weekly Spiritual Issues Discussion Group, co-led by the author, open to psychiatric in-patients at New York Presbyterian Hospital. The group is open to people of all faiths and endeavors to allow participants to explore the many relationships between their beliefs, past experiences, mental illness, and spiritual lives. The article also summarizes the professional literature reporting on similar groups and suggests areas for further study.
Diversity: Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the Hinterlands
Authors: Hover Margot
Published: May 2015

The author claims that Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) would be enriched if the notion of “diversity” were extended to program configurations, sites, and economic and occupational subgroups as well as to racial, ethnic, gender, and denominational groups as now tends to be the case. The author describes the settings and methodologies of a unique program that brings CPE to “natural caregivers” across the rural Midwest section of the United States.
Letting the Ghosts Out of the Closet
Authors: Jones Amy J.
Published: May 2015

This pastoral case study is a reflection on intimidating personalities and how those personalities can effect the leadership style and emotional responses of clergy. When a clergy person finds that he or she is caught in an emotional triangle because of intimidating factors, it becomes necessary to develop a strategy to “unhook” through changing the clergy's behavior. This case study is a reflection regarding a personal experience.
Parallels between Depression and Lament
Authors: Christenson Randall M.
Published: May 2015

This article compares the experiences portrayed by the psalmists in Psalm 31 and Psalm 102, both psalms of lament, with the current concept of major depression. It concludes by exploring how the insights of the psalms may be applied in pastoral care directed toward those who suffer from depression.