Transforming Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy Research Summer Institute 2024

July 15-19, 2024 - Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia

 

Early bird registration ends June 1, 2024.

 

Chaplains are invited to apply for the Chaplaincy Research Summer Institute (CRSI). First offered in 2017, the CRSI helps chaplains develop research literacy and introduces them to skills necessary to engage in research and quality improvement projects.

Around the world, a new evidence-based paradigm is informing the work of healthcare chaplains and spiritual care providers. Fulfilling the potential of the evidence-based paradigm for healthcare chaplaincy requires that all chaplains, and those who educate them, become research literate. Being research literate means two things. First, it means having the ability to critically read and understand basic research, and, if indicated, apply the findings of research studies to one's chaplaincy practice. Second, it means being generally familiar with the existing body of chaplaincy research, including topics that have been studied and important areas for future research.

The CRSI follows a short-term, intensive format and facilitates networking with novice and experienced chaplains engaged in chaplaincy research. It includes several hands-on activities, including conducting literature searches and small-group sessions for discussing applications and consultation. Participation in CRSI counts toward research-related CE hours of professional chaplaincy organizations.

Audience

The audience for the CRSI includes chaplains who wish to develop their ability to critically read and apply findings from research to their spiritual care practice. The audience also includes chaplains who provide leadership to chaplaincy quality improvement projects. The CRSI will also be useful for chaplains who plan to collaborate on research projects with non-chaplain investigators as well as those planning chaplaincy-related DMin projects. The CRSI also provides a useful background for CPE Educators who are leading research literacy education in their centers.

Content

The content of the CRSI provides participants with an introduction to the research process, various methods relevant for chaplaincy research (e.g., case studies, qualitative and quantitative methods), and important examples of existing chaplaincy-related research. The CRSI includes an introduction to using PubMed to conduct a literature search. Participants will also work in small groups to discuss individual or group research questions and proposals. Participants in the midst of chaplaincy-related projects are welcome to bring those projects to work on through the week. Time will be available for several participants to present their research to the whole group at the end of the week for consultation and feedback.

Faculty

The 2024 CRSI will be led by Csaba Szilagyi, MDiv, MLA, MS, ACPE, Director of Research, Department of Religion, Health and Human Values, Rush University Medical Center and Director of Transforming Chaplaincy, and George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, BCC, Senior Advisor, Transforming Chaplaincy. Core faculty will include Kelsey White, PhD, BCC, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Shelley Varner Perez, MDiv, MPH, BCC, CPH, Sr. Program Manager for Spiritual Care Research, Indiana University Health, and Cate Beaulieu-Desjardins, MDiv, MPH, BCC, Assistant Director of Research Development, Transforming Chaplaincy.

Application

Participation is limited to 30 people. Participants must be working or otherwise engaged as chaplains or providing consultation to chaplains in a health-related setting (e.g., hospital, clinic, hospice, long-term care). Complete the form below to submit an application. 

Cost

$1,100. Registration includes 3 dinners, 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts during the sessions. Participants will be responsible for their own travel, lodging, and remaining meals during the week. A non-refundable deposit of $400 will be required for those who are accepted to the Institute. The balance of the registration fee will be due no later than one week prior to the start of the Institute. Transforming Chaplaincy is pleased to offer a limited number of partial tuition scholarships for participants from underrepresented communities, safety-net hospitals, under-resourced departments or with serious financial hardships. Applicants should also check with their departments, institutions, and chaplaincy organizations about potential funding.

Early Bird Registration: $950 for participants enrolling by June 1, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Cate Beaulieu-Desjardins at Caitlin_M_Desjardins@rush.edu.

 

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