Marci Pounders
Baylor University Medical Center, USA
Title: MFACTS©A New Spiritual Assessment Tool For Palliative Care Chaplains
Biography
Biography: Marci Pounders
Abstract
The chaplain on the palliative care team is in a unique position to address the psycho-social-emotional-spiritual issues of dying patients and their loved ones. However, much of the information regarding the patient's spiritual background may be lost as a result of vague pastoral care notes entered into the electronic health record In consultation with Dr. Mark LaRocca-Pitts, chaplains with Baylor Scott & White Health decided to create a new spiritual assessment tool based on his FACT model (Faith, Access, Coping, Treatment Plan). We expanded on Dr. LaRocca-Pitts' model to create the MFACTS© Spiritual Assessment. Chaplains found that this model provides palliative care practitioners with an in-depth and consistent screening, which assists in the holistic care of the patient and family. Palliative care practitioners across the Baylor Scott & White Health System have been very positive in their evaluation of MFACTS© notes in the electronic health record, as more complete pastoral care notes provide more information on the patient's spiritual and emotional history. Staff chaplains have also been eager to learn the MFACTS© model, as it allows them to become more involved with their palliative care colleagues and the patients on their units.