Orlando VA Launches Chaplaincy Simulation Training: Connecting Spiritual Care with Clinical Practice
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is pioneering a revolutionary approach with its innovative chaplaincy simulation training, seamlessly integrating spiritual care with clinical practice in a truly immersive experience.
Chaplain Service, in collaboration with staff from the Medical Simulation (MedSIM) team at the Orlando VA, have worked to create a simulation-based educational curriculum designed to prepare chaplains for the complex realities of providing spiritual care in healthcare environments.
This novel project was made possible through the VHA Innovators Network (iNET) Spark Seed Spread Innovation Accelerator Program, which seeks to invest in VA employees by identifying and driving employee-inspired innovations. The Accelerator program emphasizes human-centered design and empowers VA employees by developing their ideas and testing solutions. The Chaplain Service and MedSIM staff applied at the Spread investment level (Spark-Seed-Spread) after successfully pilot-testing the program locally, to expand and refine the curriculum across additional VA sites.
“After a series of discussions, we realized how pivotal the use of simulation could be in acclimatizing these civilian pastors to the unique clinical environment,” said Dr. Michelle Petrovic, a Simulation Expert with MedSIM. “We embarked together on this multi-year endeavor to enhance the educational experience of both new and seasoned chaplains.”
This collaboration is now recognized as the first of its kind within the VA system and is being considered as a national model.
Chaplain James Stewart, a key developer of the program, noted that a major challenge in chaplaincy training is the lack of clinical experience for incoming chaplain interns.
“They have little to no clinical training, other than the initial four days of new employee orientation, which does not provide any clinical experience,” Chaplain Stewart explained. “The simulation-based curriculum bridges that gap, exposing students to real-life clinical settings, personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols, and even suicide ideation training.”
Dr. Petrovic further explained that the curriculum was developed through collaborative brainstorming sessions between chaplains and simulation experts, and it features a tiered structure. Simulations start with basic scenarios and advance to more complex, real-world situations that chaplains face in the healthcare environment.
One of the initial simulations focuses on hospital isolation precautions, allowing chaplains to practice correctly putting on and taking off personal protective equipment (PPE). The realism of the environment is enhanced with simulated biological contaminants, allowing chaplains to understand the importance of proper hospital etiquette.
“They learn that the patient’s hospital room is the equivalent of their home, and proper etiquette must be followed,” said Dr. Petrovic.
The program, which has garnered positive feedback from both chaplains and the wider VA community, is set to expand to VA facilities in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Little Rock, Arkansas. The program’s expansion was facilitated by funding from the Orlando VA, which enabled the Biloxi team to travel to Orlando for further training.
Chaplain Stewart reflected on the potential for the program to set a new standard in chaplaincy training nationwide.
“Biloxi and Little Rock have all been given information about it, and we’re excited to see them running the program with their MedSIM teams at their VA facilities,” he said.
According to Chaplain Stewart, the most rewarding aspect of the program’s development was witnessing chaplains and students grow through hands-on clinical experience.
“It’s incredible to see how this program is making a difference,” says Chaplain Stewart.
This collaboration not only exemplifies innovation in chaplaincy training but also highlights the Orlando VA Healthcare System’s commitment to improving Veteran care by preparing chaplains for the unique challenges they will face in healthcare settings. With national expansion on the horizon, this program is set to become a new standard in chaplaincy training within the VA system.
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About the Orlando VA Healthcare System: Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading health care systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network. offering health care services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.
For more information please reach out to: vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov