Patients who visit certain emergency rooms in the Vancouver, British Columbia region can now meet spiritual health professionals there. This is a pilot project by the Fraser Health Authority, which aims to make the care experience more holistic.

We are responsible for providing emotional and spiritual support to patients, families and staff. […] We approach people, offer them our services and support them in the way that is best for themnoticed Don Cowieclinical educator and spiritual health professional with the Fraser Health Authority.

Some patients or their relatives have existential questions and are looking for a more in-depth conversation, especially on topics related to the end of life, he explains.

But sometimes they just need a little company and presence […] Sometimes it’s about bringing a glass of water or helping them find a phone charger or a blankethe continues.

That’s why we try to accompany and support the people we meet, with the aim of supporting them 100%. […] We don’t force ourselves on anyone. This gives people the freedom to talk to us, build a relationship with us and tell their stories.

“In a fast-paced emergency department, being in the here and now is really important,” he adds. It’s about meeting people where they arehe said, specifying that spiritual health professionals do not belong to any religion.

Also beneficial for nursing staff

The main coordinator within the department Improving quality together the Fraser Health Authority, Caitlin Kennedysays the organization was looking for ways to support both patients and staff at a time when the healthcare system is under pressure.

Patients are at the heart of everything we do, and being able to provide them with a meaningful experience on perhaps the most tragic days of their lives is important.She explains.

According to her, the support of spiritual health professionals can help reduce the anxiety of patients, but also of nursing staff.

One employee told me that one of these professionals’ compassion, wisdom, and friendly attitude toward the team left an impression on her.

[Ce qui est important] It’s the simple fact of being noticed […] simply to see the person and ensure they feel cared for by the healthcare teamadds Don Cowie.

The pilot project takes place in hospitals Surrey Memorial And Langley Memorialand Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

According to data from Renee Lukacs