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Studies have shown that there are several benefits to spiritual support or chaplaincy interventions. The following are some of these benefits:
- Professional healthcare chaplains are effective at meeting spiritual needs, which are important to the overall satisfaction of the person who is ill or distressed and his or her family.
- Professional healthcare chaplains are often involved with people at the end of life. Many people and healthcare staff find chaplaincy services helpful in reducing a person's anxiety and helping him or her to be more open to hospice care.
- When spiritual needs of people with advanced cancer are met, they are more likely to die in hospice instead of the intensive care unit (ICU) and to have better quality of life at end of life and at a lower cost than in ICU. While research studies have focused on people with advanced cancer, the findings suggest broader application to other people with longer term chronic diseases.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.