CHAPLAINS WORKING IN A HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM RE- COUNT THE SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES AT THE END-OF-LIFE

Abstract: As part of an on-going review of service provision for Hospice adult pa-tients, six chaplains were interviewed to elicit their views and experiences of meeting spiritual needs within a multidisciplinary palliative care team. Inter-views were taped: transcribed and common themes were identified. The chap-lains highlighted many positive aspects of their work, recognising their role as one of service to the patients. They emphasised the importance of teamwork, both within the chaplaincy service and throughout the wider palliative care team. Negative aspects of working in palliative care were also identified, such as com-passion fatigue. Chaplains need special coping skills and ongoing support in their work. They must recognise and obtain resources for patients from other world faith communities