Feasibility and acceptability of chaplain decision coaching on Periviable resuscitation decision quality: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To pilot test and assess the feasibility and acceptability of chaplain-led decision coaching alongside the GOALS (Getting Optimal Alignment around Life Support) decision support tool to enhance decision-making in threatened periviable delivery.

Methods: Pregnant people admitted for threatened periviable delivery and their 'important other' (IO) were enrolled. Decisional conflict, acceptability, and knowledge were measured before and after the intervention. Chaplains journaled their impressions of training and coaching encounters. Descriptive analysis and conventional content analysis were completed.

Results: Eight pregnant people and two IOs participated. Decisional conflict decreased by a mean of 6.7 (SD = 9.4) and knowledge increased by a mean of 1.4 (SD = 1.8). All rated their experience as "good" or "excellent," and the amount of information was "just right." Participants found it "helpful to have someone to talk to" and noted chaplains helped them reach a decision. Chaplains found the intervention a valuable use of their time and skillset.

Conclusion: This is the first small-scale pilot study to utilize chaplains as decision coaches. Our results suggest that chaplain coaching with a decision support tool is feasible and well-accepted by parents and chaplains.

Innovations: Our findings recognize chaplains as an underutilized, yet practical resource in value-laden clinical decision-making.