Objective

This study assesses the perceived impact of a required half-day with a hospital chaplain for first-year medical students, using a qualitative analysis of their written reflections.

Methods

Students shadowed chaplains at the UCLA hospital with the stated goal of increasing their awareness and understanding of the spiritual aspects of health care and the role of the chaplain in patient care. Participation in the rounds and a short written reflection on their experience with the chaplain were required as part of the first-year Doctoring course.

Results

The qualitative analysis of reflections from 166 students using grounded theory yielded four themes: (1) the importance of spiritual care, (2) the chaplain's role in the clinical setting, (3) personal introspection, and (4) doctors and compassion.

Conclusions

Going on hospital rounds with a chaplain helps medical students understand the importance of spirituality in medicine and positively influences student perceptions of chaplains and their work.