Capitalizing Hope in Healthcare: Exploring the Future of Hospital Chaplaincy Between Prayer and Profit

This research explores the evolving role of chaplains in healthcare, from traditional Christian roots to inclusive spiritual care encompassing diverse traditions. Despite their integral role in addressing spiritual, emotional, and existential needs, chaplains face challenges navigating institutional pressures for profitability. Through qualitative case studies at a major trauma hospital, this study examines instances where chaplains inadvertently collude with institutional power, termed “capitalizing hope,” particularly prevalent in complex cases involving non-English speaking patients. Questions about billability, insurance coverage, and patient access emerge. This study aims to deepen understanding of chaplaincy practices, ethical implications of billable spiritual care interventions, and equip chaplains to advocate for patient-centered holistic care amidst evolving healthcare landscapes. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to discussions on chaplaincy training, in hopes of fostering healing, justice, and dignity in interdiscipinary healthcare settings.