Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately half of U.S. chaplains practiced telechaplaincy. Since then, telechaplaincy has grown rapidly and is increasingly used throughout the world. It poses unique challenges and opportunities that require new skills to master.
However, there are few resources for chaplains to learn and improve their work, and chaplains and providers regularly request training to implement or improve telechaplaincy.
To meet this need, the Telechaplaincy Community of Practice, an international group of healthcare chaplains and researchers hosted by the Transforming Chaplaincy Initiative and the University of Zürich, was founded.
The Community of Practice meets regularly via Zoom to
- Network with other spiritual care providers, managers and researchers
- Exchange best practices
- Acquire and practice practical telechaplaincy skills
Next meeting: May 2, 2025, at 12-1 PM EST.
Mercy Virtual Spiritual Care: Empowering Care Recipients to Access Integrated Spiritual Care through Technology
This presentation explores how Mercy Virtual Spiritual Care is leveraging technology to empower over one million care recipients with 24/7 access to integrated spiritual care. Through the MyMercy platform’s “Contact Spiritual Care” functionality, patients can connect with a chaplain in just a few clicks—anytime, anywhere. We will also highlight key Electronic Medical Record (EPIC) customizations that enable spiritual care screening during all inpatient admissions and select ambulatory visits. These innovations reflect Mercy’s commitment to whole-person care by embedding spiritual support seamlessly into the digital and clinical care experience.
Justin Martin, MDiv, BCC, is the Director of Spiritual Care Innovation and Transformation at Mercy. He leads initiatives that integrate spiritual care into virtual platforms and clinical workflows, with a focus on accessible, person-centered care.
Cody Alley, MDiv, BCC, serves as a Virtual Spiritual Care Initiatives Chaplain at Mercy. He specializes in delivering spiritual care through technology, helping patients access care regardless of time or location.
Participate.
If you would like to join the next meeting, sign up here.
We currently meet several times per year.
The meetings are free of charge and you may opt out at any time.
Once signed up you will be notified when the next meeting is scheduled, and receive a Zoom link to join.
To access previous meetings, visit “Events“.
