Research shows that non-responsive patients benefit significantly from spiritual and pastoral care. This book equips chaplains with the confidence and skills to deliver excellent care in this challenging context. With exercises, worksheets, small group activities and case studies, it sets out how best to use words and body language, foster trust and respect, and involve patients' loved ones. It provides practical ways to recognise and affirm the humanity of the patient, and how to engage with the patient by employing skills of listening and presence.

Linda Golding has worked as a Staff Chaplain at New York-Presbyterian Hospital since 2010, chiefly involved with Neurology, Neurosurgery and the Neuro ICU. She also serves as the Chaplain on the hospital's Ethics Committee.Walter Dixon is a Board Certified Chaplain as well as an ordained pastor within the United Methodist Church. His principal clinical foci in hospital employment were cardiology, oncology, general medicine, staff support and palliative care.

Background: definition of the need, how it was uncovered, developing and implementing the response. Part I - COMMON CONCERNS AND INTERVENTIONS. 1. In the hallway. 2. The family is here: balancing a pastoral visit with the patient and the family or friends. 3. The team will see you now: a member of the medical team is in the room or nearby. 4. All alone: the non-responsive patient is alone in the room. Part II - CROSSING THE THRESHOLD AND THE VISIT. 5. Entering the room: what to say and to whom. 6. Staying in the room: drawing in pastoral skills to stay until the visit is complete. 7. The spiritual heart of the visit: how to discover it. Part III - CLOSING THE VISIT. 8. To pray or not to pray?: prayer in uncertain times. 9. Summary of skills: what are some of the specific skills you observed or learned? Part IV - NEXT STEPS. 10. What are the remaining obstacles?