Patients’ loved ones, who often are acting as surrogate decision makers, are among the unique aspects of spiritual care in intensive care settings. In a study conducted at the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine from 2018 to 2021, a research team found that proactive spiritual care offered to ICU surrogates improves their well-being. These findings also provide evidence for the inclusion of chaplains in palliative and intensive care teams.

Join study leader Alexia Torke and Research Chaplain Shelley Varner-Perez as they discuss the origins of this study, how it was conducted, and what lessons chaplains and healthcare executives can incorporate into their service to patients and families.