KQED's Forum 'The Chaplain and the Doctor' Centers Empathy and Spirituality in Health Care
Apr 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Betty Clark, an 80-year-old African American chaplain, and Dr. Jessica Zitter, a palliative care physician, delve into the vital role of empathy and spirituality in healthcare. They reflect on their contrasting backgrounds and how they navigate end-of-life care, transforming initial tensions into a profound friendship. The guests emphasize the necessity of addressing emotional and spiritual needs, the impact of storytelling, and the importance of unconditional love in hospice care, as explored in their heartwarming documentary.
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Whole Patient Focus in Palliative Care
- Palliative care focuses on treating the whole patient, not just specific illnesses or organs.
- It provides symptom management and supports decision-making based on patient values and preferences.
Spiritual Care Beyond Religion
- Chaplains address spiritual distress, including fear of dying and hope.
- Spirituality can be separate from religion; it includes anything that lifts a person's spirit.
Transforming Views on Spirituality
- Jessica initially saw spirituality as irrelevant to clinical care but changed after years observing Betty.
- She learned that spiritual care profoundly impacts patients beyond physical symptom management.