Computerized chaplaincy--today and tomorrow.

Abstract

Health care chaplaincy is not an obvious setting for "high tech" methods and equipment. Yet computer technology is rapidly revolutionizing both medicine and ministry. DRGs (diagnosis-related groups) and other innovations in health care make it imperative that chaplains be both familiar and comfortable with computer technology. Obstacles to this goal include computer "block," clergy resistance, cost factors and the myth that pastoral care requires no technology. Chaplains are urged to explore new uses for computers in ministry, while being cautious about too rapidly embracing technology as an end in itself. Each chaplain must determine for herself/himself how best to utilize computers in chaplaincy.