Hodgkin’s Disease Treatments — Spiritual Support

Spiritual Support for Hodgkin's Disease

Spiritual care can play an important role in the treatment process for Hodgkin’s disease. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we strive to provide a universal umbrella of spiritual support for Hodgkin’s disease patients, as well as caregivers, family members and staff. Our pastoral care team works to create an open and nurturing environment where all patients, from any faith, are empowered to realize the spiritual aspects of healing.

At CTCA, we recognize and respect that spirituality is an integral part of life. Research has suggested an interconnected nature between spirituality and healing. Spirituality has also been related to lessened discomfort, decreased loneliness and a healthier emotional adjustment among cancer patients.

As part of our whole-patient approach to Hodgkin's disease treatment, CTCA focuses on how the cancer experience affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually. Foundational aspects of spirituality include prayer, a sense of meaning in life, reading and contemplation, a feeling of closeness to a higher being, meaningful interactions with others, and other activities that facilitate spiritual interaction or awareness.

The pastoral care team at CTCA will provide you and your loved ones with the opportunity to explore the spiritual component in your Hodgkin’s disease care through a variety of programs and services, including:

• New patient orientation
• Individual and group prayer
• Prayer chains facilitated by hospital staff
• Counseling by a faith representative of your choice
• Weekly interfaith worship services
• Patient support groups that focus on healing, faith and life
• Family consultations
• Interface and communication with your local pastor and church
• Telephone consultations with patients and/or family members

Spiritual Assessment

Upon your request, a member of our pastoral care staff will personally visit you within the first 48 hours of your initial admission for Hodgkin’s disease treatment. This visitation helps us to develop a relationship and rapport with you (and your family as appropriate).

This meeting will address your own unique spiritual needs and issues. All assessments will be person-centered, respecting your religion, culture and age. Ongoing assessment of your spiritual needs during your Hodgkin's disease treatment is driven by you and/or your family members’ willingness to talk and share.

Spiritual Care

New Hodgkin’s disease patients (first time admissions) at CTCA can also take part in a voluntary group orientation session, which reviews the role of spiritual care in the treatment process. In addition, our pastoral care team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is based on your beliefs and identified needs.

Spiritual care at CTCA is divided into three main categories:

1. Assessment:  This consists of an initial assessment of your physical health and medical needs at the beginning of your Hodgkin’s disease treatment. Throughout your care, our chaplains will interact regularly with you and other members of your care team to find ways to support you.

2. Direct Care:  Our chaplains are available for visitation, counsel, prayer, and patient rights issues. They can help you work through such issues as life values, suffering, healing, grief/loss, despair/hope, guilt/forgiveness, fear/peace and anger/acceptance.

3. Extended Care:  After your Hodgkin’s disease treatment is complete, we will continue to provide spiritual support by phone and through our spiritual outreach program and website, Our Journey of Hope^SM.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America serves a significant population of non-local patients. As a result, your CTCA chaplain becomes your primary spiritual care provider during the inpatient treatment period. Thus, our chaplains strive to build a relationship with you based on trust and rapport that extends beyond your hospital care.

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