Research Program

While research has been a part of the Department for many years, our formal research program began in 1990. Early investigations examined patient satisfaction with spiritual care, outcomes of the Department's CPE program, and how patients use religion to cope with their illness. Our research has been supported by departmental and University funds. We have also received over $500,000 in grants from other agencies including the National Institute on Aging, the Fetzer Institute, and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Our research has been recognized with awards from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, the Council on Ministry in Specialized Settings, and the Joint Council on Research in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

Aims

The aims of our research program are:

•  to conduct research which supports the department's programs of patient care, education, and ethics

•  to expand our understanding of the relationship between religion and health and the ways ministry can enhance spiritual well being and health

•  to collaborate with other investigators who are working in related areas

•  to provide education about religion and health research to Rush students and colleagues, other health care professionals, and especially health care chaplains

Program Areas

Our research program is currently focused on four areas:

•  population-based studies of religion and health

•  studies of religious struggle in patients with acute and chronic disease

•  studies of religion and mental health

•  helping health care chaplaincy become a research-informed profession

Faculty

The research program faculty includes George Fitchett, DMin and Patricia E. Murphy, PhD

Workshops

Introductory workshops on pastoral research are offered at Rush and in other locations several times a year. For information about upcoming workshops contact Eleanor Welch, 312-942-5571, or Religion_Health@rush.edu.

Bibliography

A bibliography of some of our research can be downloaded here.