Spiritual Care Professionals as Unit-Based Interdisciplinary Team Members? Considering Patient and Staff Perceptions in a Forensic Mental Health Care Setting.

ABSTRACT

This project considers two co-occurring studies accounting perceptions of patients (n=8) and staff (n=8) related to assignment of Spiritual Care students as full-time interdisciplinary team members at a Forensic mental health facility. Students on 12-week placements were individually assigned to care units. Qualitative method consistent with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed. The co-occurring studies identified that enhanced access to Spiritual Care was valued. Staff and patients indicated a desire for more spirituality focused participation.