Katie Tunks Leach
Doctorate
Doctorate Title: Exploring the role and value of chaplains in Australian ambulance services: A mixed methods study.
Doctorate Description: This thesis by compilation explores the provision of chaplaincy and spiritual care in Australian ambulance organisations. Contemporary research has demonstrated that occupational and organisational pressures have resulted in paramedics experiencing higher rates of bio-psycho-social ill-health than the average population, resulting in ambulance organisations implementing staff wellbeing teams. A growing body of evidence demonstrates strong connections between people’s spiritual/religious beliefs and health outcomes, but to date, no Australian studies have examined the role of spiritual care in ambulance services or its impact on paramedic wellbeing. The aim of this exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was to explore the role and value of chaplains in Australian ambulance services. Qualitative findings from interviews with 17 paramedics and 13 chaplains were integrated with the 150 quantitative/survey responses to answer the research questions. While personal beliefs were important in determining whether paramedics would seek chaplain support, pre-existing relationships were also influential. The ambulance chaplain’s role included providing relational care to paramedics in their workspaces, and to bystanders at significant jobs. Incorporating not only spiritual care but emotional, psychological and social care, this proactive frontline role involved skills including listening, assessment and supportive conversations. Chaplain care was perceived to promote emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, reduce barriers to help-seeking, and facilitate specialist referrals. How ambulance organisations implemented chaplaincy programs, including employing the right chaplains and providing clear role descriptions, influenced the effectiveness of chaplaincy programs. Conclusion Findings from this study show that ambulance chaplains have a valued and valuable role. With the right skillset and in the presence of professional caring relationships, chaplains can promote paramedic wellbeing in their workplaces, regardless of personal beliefs. However, the perceived religiousness of chaplains and poor organisational implementation of the role deters some paramedics from seeking chaplain support. To enhance ambulance chaplaincy programs, organisations should ensure minimum education levels for chaplains, that role descriptions and frameworks for practice align with contemporary evidence-based spiritual care, and that chaplaincy care is paramedic-centred.
Details:
Type: PhD
University: University of Technology Sydney
Primary Supervisor: Professor Tracy Levett-Jones
Category: Staff Wellbeing
Funding:
Start Date: 2019
End Date: 2024
Status: Complete
Thesis
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Paramedic PhD is endorsed by:
