Hospital chaplaincy: patient care at the University Hospital of the Federal University of São Paulo

Abstract

The Hospital Chaplaincy in Brazil has been growing significantly, with the implementation of new services through the work of the Medical-Spiritist Associations in several regions of the country. Spiritual care aims to promote the coping an strategy that can contribute to the recovery of mental, spiritual and physical health of the hospitalized patients. The University Hospital of the Federal University of São Paulo made possible the development of this activity to the Mary’s Hope Group, where until then there was the exclusivity of the catholic and evangelical creed, becoming an ecumenical place. In visits to patients, the group can see that love and respect for themselves and others, allows renewing opportunities, in the improvement of patients and volunteers. The expression of religiosity intends to contribute to the discussions in the relationship of spirituality and health. Visits to hospitalized patients were documented, which allowed us to have relevant reflections, confirming the importance of this service and acceptance today by different religious beliefs.