GOCCNJ recognizes that spiritual care providers (SCPs) are often sought when people are confronting significant healthcare decisions. Chaplains and clergy are uniquely positioned to help patients with serious illness consider medical decisions within a religious or spiritual framework and are a valued member of the interdisciplinary care team.
GOCCNJ developed the 4Step iCare Plan for SCPs with Chaplain Ted Taylor, Director of Chaplaincy & Volunteer Services at RWJBarnabas Health and College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy; Rev. Maureen Erwin, Board-Certified Clinical Chaplain focused on palliative care, end-of-life conversations, and advance care planning; and Gina Mercurio-Brown, MDiv and healthcare chaplain, specifically to help patients understand their diagnosis, process their prognosis, reflect on and communicate their goals for living, and choose medical treatments that best align with their goals of care.
