Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Australian Ambulance: Can It Make a Difference?
Tracks
Prince and Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, March 4, 2025 |
| 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM |
| Prince Room |
Overview
Dr Katie Tunks Leach, University of Technology Sydney
Presenter
Dr Katie Tunks Leach
Research Officer
University of Technology Sydney
Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Australian Ambulance: Can It Make a Difference?
Presentation Overview
Background
Greater focus on paramedic wellbeing has resulted in the implementation of wellbeing programs aimed at holistically supporting health and promoting flourishing in paramedics. These programs have frequently included psychologists, peer support workers, exercise physiologists and sometimes pastoral care/chaplaincy. While considerable research exists into paramedic mental and physical wellbeing, no rigorous research has been undertaken to determine the role or impact of pastoral/spiritual care on paramedics. The aim of this study was to explore the role and value of pastoral care/chaplaincy in Australian ambulance organisations.
Methods
This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study commenced with qualitative semi-structured interviews with paramedics and chaplains in one state service (Phase 1). Findings informed the development of a paramedic-specific survey (Phase 2) which was subsequently distributed to AHPRA-registered Paramedics across Australia between Nov-Dec 2022 (Phase 3).
Results
Qualitative findings from 13 chaplains and 17 paramedics were integrated with 150 survey responses to answer the research questions and address the research aim. Pre-existing relationships and personal beliefs and were influential in determining if paramedics would seek pastoral/chaplain support. Ambulance pastoral carers/chaplains provided relational and social care to paramedics in their workplaces using skills including active listening, assessment and supportive conversations. Pastoral care/chaplaincy was perceived to be a proactive, frontline wellbeing role that promoted emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, reduced barriers to help-seeking, and facilitated specialist referrals. However, the way in which ambulance organisations implemented pastoral care/chaplaincy programs influenced their effectiveness.
Conclusion
In the presence of professional caring relationships, chaplains with appropriate skills and training can promote paramedic wellbeing in workplaces, regardless of a paramedic’s personal beliefs.
Greater focus on paramedic wellbeing has resulted in the implementation of wellbeing programs aimed at holistically supporting health and promoting flourishing in paramedics. These programs have frequently included psychologists, peer support workers, exercise physiologists and sometimes pastoral care/chaplaincy. While considerable research exists into paramedic mental and physical wellbeing, no rigorous research has been undertaken to determine the role or impact of pastoral/spiritual care on paramedics. The aim of this study was to explore the role and value of pastoral care/chaplaincy in Australian ambulance organisations.
Methods
This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study commenced with qualitative semi-structured interviews with paramedics and chaplains in one state service (Phase 1). Findings informed the development of a paramedic-specific survey (Phase 2) which was subsequently distributed to AHPRA-registered Paramedics across Australia between Nov-Dec 2022 (Phase 3).
Results
Qualitative findings from 13 chaplains and 17 paramedics were integrated with 150 survey responses to answer the research questions and address the research aim. Pre-existing relationships and personal beliefs and were influential in determining if paramedics would seek pastoral/chaplain support. Ambulance pastoral carers/chaplains provided relational and social care to paramedics in their workplaces using skills including active listening, assessment and supportive conversations. Pastoral care/chaplaincy was perceived to be a proactive, frontline wellbeing role that promoted emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, reduced barriers to help-seeking, and facilitated specialist referrals. However, the way in which ambulance organisations implemented pastoral care/chaplaincy programs influenced their effectiveness.
Conclusion
In the presence of professional caring relationships, chaplains with appropriate skills and training can promote paramedic wellbeing in workplaces, regardless of a paramedic’s personal beliefs.
Biography
Dr Katie Tunks Leach is a Registered Nurse with 27 years of practice dedicated to holistic healthcare as an emergency and trauma nurse, and tertiary educator. With a PhD on pastoral and spiritual care in Australian ambulance organisations, she has developed a deep understanding of the intersection between spirituality and healthcare. This background has provided her with firsthand insight into the challenges and complexities faced by both patients and healthcare clinicians.
Moderator
Rachel Dempster
Program & Research Manager
Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
Shinade Hartman
Virtual Manager
AST Management
Lise Saunders
Conference Coordinator / Virtual Manager
AST Management
Justine White
Event Manager
AST Management
