Delivering Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Remotely: Educators' Views and Perspectives During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

J Pastoral Care Counsel. 2022 Sep;76(3):189-209. doi: 10.1177/15423050221094492. Epub 2022 May 2.

Abstract

Many Clinical Pastoral Education programs pivoted to remote delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our survey explored educators' preparedness, self-efficacy, and views regarding remote Clinical Pastoral Education. Few respondents were either very (14.2%) or not at all (16.5%) prepared. Most were confident facilitating remote learning (69.8%-88.5%), believing remote Clinical Pastoral Education can achieve outcomes equivalent to in-person (59.1%). Six qualitative themes emerged: educator development, educator challenges, remote Clinical Pastoral Education efficacy, remote group dynamics, clinical practice/supervision implications, and benefits and opportunities.

Keywords: COVID-19; Clinical Pastoral Education; online learning; remote learning; spiritual care.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Curriculum
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Pastoral Care* / education
  • Surveys and Questionnaires