Clinical Chaplaincy

Clinical Chaplaincy and Patient Relations Management Programme

Healthcare Skills │Whole Person Care │ Counselling │Patient Relations │ NGO Management

Dr Samuel Meshack, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong – MOU Signing

Clinical Chaplaincy & Patient Relations Management Programme

This program is a one-year postgraduate fellowship designed to equip individuals with essential skills in holistic patient care, emergency support, patient relations, and crisis response. This program prepares professionals to enhance healthcare services in hospitals, NGOs, and related organisations.

FCC residents ready for their clinical posting

Recognition of the programme

This work-integrated residential programme is conducted at Bangalore Baptist Hospital (BBH) in collaboration with Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong.

Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) was established by Act No. 11 of 2005 of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya and is recognized under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956. The university is authorized to grant degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act.

Bangalore Baptist Hospital (BBH), a 450-bed multispecialty hospital founded in 1973, is the first mission hospital in India to meet national quality standards (NABH and NABL) for excellence in healthcare. Guided by the vision of “Healing and Wholeness in the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” BBH is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care. The hospital offers a range of diploma, degree, and master’s level programs in Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, and Counselling under the National Board of Examinations, Rajiv Gandhi University, and Serampore University.

Pioneer Batch Graduation Ceremony 2023

Programme structure

First Six Months

• Classroom-based learning through lectures, case studies, demonstrations, and project work
• Practical exposure via observatory postings in patient care and hospital operations
• Field visits, Mission trips and external institutional postings for broader learning experiences

Second Six Months

• Work-integrated learning with supervised clinical postings at Bangalore Baptist Hospital (sponsored candidates may complete this phase at their respective hospitals)
• Ongoing assessments and progress evaluations to track student development

This fellowship offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, enabling participants to make a meaningful impact on healthcare services and patient experience.

Subjects

• Basic Healthcare Skills and First Aid
• Introduction to Counselling
• Leadership Development
• Patient Relations Management
• NGO Management
• Chaplaincy, Healing and Wholeness

Key Outcomes

By the end of the fellowship, participants will be proficient in:

Patient Care Coordination

• Facilitating seamless communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams for patient-centered care
• Assisting patients in navigating medical and emotional challenges

Crisis Response & Support

• Providing emotional and spiritual support during medical emergencies, trauma, and end-of-life care
• Helping families cope with grief, loss, and ethical decision-making

Service Quality & Patient Relations

• Managing patient reception, feedback systems, and conflict resolution to enhance hospital service quality
• Strengthening relationships between patients and healthcare providers for a compassionate healing environment

NGO & Community Engagement

• Overseeing NGO operations, fundraising, and outreach programs for underprivileged patients
• Organizing awareness campaigns, counseling sessions, and community healthcare initiatives

Holistic Well-Being & Support

• Addressing the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both patients and healthcare staff
• Conducting wellness workshops, counseling sessions, and staff training programs

A trained Clinical Chaplain plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, ensuring that care remains patient-centered, compassionate, and holistic.