"Essential Not Optional": Spiritual Care in Australia during a Pandemic. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Heather; Holmes, Cheryl; Flynn, Eleanor; Karimi, Leila
• Is Part Of: Journal of pastoral care & counseling. Volume 75:Number 1(2021)Supplement
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Spiritual care -- COVID-19 -- Australia -- pastoral care -- chaplaincy; Pastoral theology -- Periodicals; Pastoral care -- Periodicals; Pastoral counseling -- Periodicals; 253.5
• DOI: 10.1177/1542305020985071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-3050

Abstract

This paper focuses on the impact of COVID19 in Australia. Three areas were investigated: professionalism, contrasting hospital and aged care services and "business as usual"? Impact was low overall, the timing being pre-second wave impact. Two areas of weakness were highlighted: depleted spiritual care teams due to standing down non-professional staff and uncertainty about the role of Chaplains in the care of other staff. Further study of second wave impact is recommended.