Chaplains are invited to apply for the Chaplaincy Research Summer Institute (CRSI). First offered in 2017, the CRSI helps chaplains develop research literacy to understand and apply research critically and introduces them to skills to engage in research and quality improvement projects.
Around the world, a new evidence-based paradigm is informing the work of healthcare chaplains and spiritual care providers. Fulfilling the potential of the evidence-based paradigm for healthcare chaplaincy requires that all chaplains, and those who educate them, become research literate. Being research literate means two things. First, it means having the ability to critically read and understand basic research, and, if indicated, apply the findings of research studies to one’s chaplaincy practice. Second, it means being generally familiar with the existing body of chaplaincy research including topics that have been studied and important areas for future research.
https://youtu.be/fNpvlUDzhGs?si=tsvExCRjoWTsjz_h
Chaplaincy Research Summer Institute - 2018
CRSI 2023 Faculty and Students, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
The CRSI follows an intensive and interactive format that facilitates networking with faculty and chaplains involved in research. Several hands-on sessions include conducting literature searches, qualitative research activities, and mentored small-group discussions. Participation in CRSI counts toward research-related CE hours of professional chaplaincy organizations.
Hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia
To learn more about participant experiences at the 2023 CRSI, read the following TC blog posts:
Celebrating Graduates of the 2023 Chaplaincy Research Summer Institute by Csaba Szilagyi
The CRSI audience includes chaplains who wish to develop their ability to critically read and apply research findings to their spiritual care practice, collaborate on research projects with chaplain and non-chaplain investigators, and plan chaplaincy-related D.Min. projects. It also includes chaplains who provide leadership to chaplaincy quality improvement projects. The CRSI also provides a useful background for CPE Educators to lead research literacy education in their centers.
The content of the CRSI provides participants with an introduction to the research process, various methods relevant to chaplaincy research (e.g., case studies, qualitative and quantitative methods), important examples of existing chaplaincy-related research, and conducting targeted literature searches in PubMed. Participants will also work in mentored small groups to discuss individual or group research questions. Participants already working on or planning chaplaincy-related projects are welcome to bring those projects to work on through the week. Time will be dedicated for several participants to present their research to the whole group at the end of the week for consultation.
The 2024 CRSI will be led by Csaba Szilagyi, MDiv, MLA, MS, ACPE, Director of Research, Department of Religion, Health and Human Values, Rush University Medical Center and Director of Transforming Chaplaincy, and George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, BCC, Senior Advisor, Transforming Chaplaincy. Core faculty will include Kelsey White, PhD, BCC, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Cate Beaulieu-Desjardins, MDiv, MPH, BCC, Assistant Director of Research Development, Transforming Chaplaincy.
Participation is limited to 30 people. Participants must be working or otherwise engaged as chaplains or chaplain researchers, or providing consultation to chaplains, in a health-related setting (e.g., hospital, clinic, hospice, long-term care). An application process will assess readiness and enthusiasm for the CSRI.