RT Journal
A1 Fitchett G, Rasinski K, Cadge W, Curlin FA
T1 Physicians’ experience and satisfaction with chaplains: A national survey
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2009
FD October 26
VO 169
IS 19
SP 1806
OP 1818
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2009.308
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2009.308
AB 

			Religion and spirituality (R/S) are important resources for coping with serious illnesses, but research indicates that patients' R/S needs often go unmet.1 Professional chaplains help patients make effective use of R/S resources in the context of illness,2 but one-third of US hospitals do not have chaplains.3 Even hospitals with chaplaincy programs rarely have sufficient staff to address the needs of all patients. Given these constraints, physicians and other clinical staff play critical roles in directing chaplains to patients who will benefit from their services.4 Unfortunately, little is known about physicians' experience with and impressions of chaplains.