Appendix 1: Simulated Patient Exam
The specific behaviors below are particulars of an overall relational presence, demonstrated clinical acuity, and attitude that scorers will be looking to see the chaplain exhibit. This attitude has been variously called pastoral caring or caring for the human spirit.
The chaplain is expected to exhibit within the visit only those behaviors that are appropriate to the case and avoid behaviors that might be inappropriate to the case.
Does the chaplain exhibit an evident sense of deep caring for the patient or caregiver’s human predicament? Is this attitude clearly therapeutic in the sense of effecting a relationship where the person feels accepted and understood by the chaplain? Does engagement contribute to the person(s) having a greater sense of comfort, acceptance—even for the unacceptable; connected to self and others, and even a sense of wellness, wisdom and peace? Finally, does the chaplain use his/her clinical acuity in a caring way to move some or all these goals forward?
Note that there are a couple behaviors marked “Mandatory”. This means that, if in the judgment of the reviewers, you do not demonstrate these behaviors, you do not pass the test. Also note that several behaviors marked “APBCC only”. These behaviors will be scored only for APBCC candidates. They do not apply to BCC or CC candidates. Finally, if you are applying for APBCC, the reviewers have the option of not approving you for APBCC but approving you for BCC. They can also approve you for neither.
Simulated Patient Faculty Scoring
Behaviors | Always | Often | Seldon | Never |
Chaplain introduced him/herself including full name and title and explained the purpose of the visit. | ||||
Chaplain states chaplain role, clearly, succinctly and without use of jargon. (Mandatory for APBCC) | ||||
Chaplain used culturally appropriate language. | ||||
Chaplain demonstrated active listening. | ||||
Chaplain demonstrated supportive responses. | ||||
Chaplain uses appropriate non-verbal practices that reflect and mirror the affect of the person including: | ||||
a. Engaging and maintaining eye contact as is culturally and therapeutically appropriate | ||||
b. Maintaining appropriate posture | ||||
c. Using appropriate tone of voice | ||||
Chaplain exhibits appropriate attire and hygiene | ||||
Chaplain demonstrates respect for the dignity and worth of the person/caregiver. (Mandatory) | ||||
Chaplain does not impose his/her doctrinal positions, religious or spiritual beliefs, or practices on the person/caregiver. (Mandatory) | ||||
Chaplain respects the spiritual/religious/emotional/ physical boundaries of the person/caregiver | ||||
Chaplain acknowledges spiritual, religious, existential and cultural cues in a non-judgmental manner. (Mandatory) | ||||
Chaplain assesses as appropriate importance of religion, spirituality, existential, and cultural beliefs and values or lack thereof held by the person/ caregiver. | ||||
Chaplain assesses as appropriate for spiritual/ religious/existential/cultural needs, hopes and resources or lack thereof | ||||
Chaplain established a relationship in which the person/caregiver verbalizes their issues and concerns. | ||||
Chaplain invites expression of genuine emotional quality. (APBCC only) | ||||
Chaplain invites candor and free expression of values, commitments and meaning, as well as concerns, worries and disappointments. (APBCC only) | ||||
Chaplain enters into the suffering and distress of the person vs. inviting conversation about the person’s suffering (APBCC only) | ||||
The chaplain summarizes the visit for the person and lets them know what they can expect from the chaplain or other appropriate interdisciplinary team members (Mandatory for APBCC) | ||||
COMMENTS: | ||||
Behaviors (continued) | Yes | No |
The chaplain documents a spiritual/pastoral assessment of the person/caregiver and a spiritual/pastoral care plan including culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions for both the chaplain and other members of the interdisciplinary team, expected outcomes and any referrals to other members of the interdisciplinary team while holding confidential material not appropriate or necessary to be shared. | ||
Note includes analysis of patient dynamics and processes in language useful to the team with reference to social science literature. (APBCC only) | ||
In separate note, chaplain is able to critique their own transferences and counter-transferences as reflected in the visit. (APBCC only) | ||
COMMENTS: | ||
Patient/Caregiver Feedback Form
Patient/Caregiver | Never | Sometimes | Always |
Chaplain introduced him/herself and explained the purpose of the visit. | |||
Chaplain used language that I understood. | |||
Chaplain used language that was respectful of who I am. | |||
Chaplain listened closely to me and paid attention to what I was saying. | |||
Chaplain’s responses to me were supportive and helped me talk further about my situation. | |||
Chaplain seemed like he/she was really focused on me and my concerns. | |||
Chaplain’s tone of voice put me at ease and helped me talk about my concerns. | |||
Chaplain treated me with respect. | |||
Chaplain accepted my spiritual beliefs and practices and did not try to impose his/her beliefs on me. | |||
Chaplain helped me talk about my concerns and fears. | |||
After chaplain’s visit, I felt better able to deal with my situation. | |||
After chaplain’s visit, I felt less distressed. | |||
COMMENTS: | |||
