Keith Stirewalt, PA, MBA, MDiv, chaplain for clinical engagement at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. When family members make these, or similar, statements, clinicians often find it difficult to respond. “We’re waiting on a miracle.” “We’re not giving up on him.” “If we pray hard enough, she will be healed.” Next month, we’ll report on how chaplains and ethicists can work together to ensure ethical care. In this story, we explore how chaplains can help to resolve conflicts over whether to withdraw life-sustaining interventions. Make sure clinicians give the family the space and time they need.Įditor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series on the role of chaplains in the hospital setting.Be realistic with the family during conversations and prayer.Explain that dying surrounded by loved ones is a blessing.Chaplains can play an important role if family is requesting aggressive interventions and clinicians believe such care to be inappropriate.

What is the opposite of miracle