Twice-in-a-Lifetime Pandemics: An Exploratory Qualitative Life-History Analysis of the Longitudinal Experiences of Hospital Chaplains Who Served During Both the Early AIDS (1981-1995) and Early COVID-19 (2020-2021) Pandemics in the USA and United Kingdom.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to document the longitudinal experiences of chaplains who served during both the early AIDS (1981-1995) and early COVID-19 (2020-2021) pandemics. A total of 11 hospital chaplains were interviewed across the USA and the United Kingdom. Interviews were analyzed using a Grounded theory approach. Chaplains reported multiple stressors during both pandemics, including barriers to integration into care teams, tensions with home religions institutions, burnout, and challenges arising from the politicization of disease. Despite these challenges, chaplains play a vital role during pandemics. Insights from their experiences can inform future strategies for compassionate crisis response.