Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure

Outcome research is becoming increasingly important in chaplaincy. However, current outcome measures rarely reflect outcomes reflecting chaplaincy goals. This limits the understanding of the effect of chaplaincy care. Therefore, we have developed the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure (NUGV). It uses...

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Main Authors: Anja Visser, Annelieke Damen, Carmen Schuhmann, X. J. S. (Sujin) Rosie, Hanneke Muthert, Erik Olsman, Marjo van Zundert, Gaby Jacobs
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Religions
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/6/742
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author Anja Visser
Annelieke Damen
Carmen Schuhmann
X. J. S. (Sujin) Rosie
Hanneke Muthert
Erik Olsman
Marjo van Zundert
Gaby Jacobs
author_facet Anja Visser
Annelieke Damen
Carmen Schuhmann
X. J. S. (Sujin) Rosie
Hanneke Muthert
Erik Olsman
Marjo van Zundert
Gaby Jacobs
author_sort Anja Visser
collection DOAJ
description Outcome research is becoming increasingly important in chaplaincy. However, current outcome measures rarely reflect outcomes reflecting chaplaincy goals. This limits the understanding of the effect of chaplaincy care. Therefore, we have developed the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure (NUGV). It uses a Q-methodology, comprising a two-step sorting task of 25 statements and a brief post-sorting interview. The statements relate to four goals of chaplaincy: worldview development, coping with life events and circumstances, relational affirmation, and transcendence and connectedness. The statements were derived from a literature review, interviews with 24 clients of chaplaincy in primary, outpatient, or community care, and eight focus groups with clients, chaplaincy, and other professionals in primary, outpatient, or community care. Acceptability, clarity, and (face) validity were examined with a client council, in a workshop, and through two pilot studies. They were found to be satisfactory. Thus, the NUGV seems to be a promising instrument for outcome assessment in chaplaincy. More research is needed on the construct validity and specificity of the outcomes, as well as the use of the instrument in inpatient settings and among people with lower language and cognitive capabilities. We recommend that researchers administer the NUGV in person, to enable more support during the sorting task and to facilitate richer data in the post-sorting interview.
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spelling doaj-art-60e47fd89fd8466dafd458a5db1f5e842025-08-20T03:29:51ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-06-0116674210.3390/rel16060742Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome MeasureAnja Visser0Annelieke Damen1Carmen Schuhmann2X. J. S. (Sujin) Rosie3Hanneke Muthert4Erik Olsman5Marjo van Zundert6Gaby Jacobs7Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society, University of Groningen, 9712 GK Groningen, The NetherlandsHumanistic Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society, University of Humanistic Studies, 3512 HD Utrecht, The NetherlandsHumanistic Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society, University of Humanistic Studies, 3512 HD Utrecht, The NetherlandsFaculty of Religion, Culture and Society, University of Groningen, 9712 GK Groningen, The NetherlandsFaculty of Religion, Culture and Society, University of Groningen, 9712 GK Groningen, The NetherlandsDepartment of Community & Care, Protestant Theological University, 3512 HB Utrecht, The NetherlandsTilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The NetherlandsHumanistic Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society, University of Humanistic Studies, 3512 HD Utrecht, The NetherlandsOutcome research is becoming increasingly important in chaplaincy. However, current outcome measures rarely reflect outcomes reflecting chaplaincy goals. This limits the understanding of the effect of chaplaincy care. Therefore, we have developed the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure (NUGV). It uses a Q-methodology, comprising a two-step sorting task of 25 statements and a brief post-sorting interview. The statements relate to four goals of chaplaincy: worldview development, coping with life events and circumstances, relational affirmation, and transcendence and connectedness. The statements were derived from a literature review, interviews with 24 clients of chaplaincy in primary, outpatient, or community care, and eight focus groups with clients, chaplaincy, and other professionals in primary, outpatient, or community care. Acceptability, clarity, and (face) validity were examined with a client council, in a workshop, and through two pilot studies. They were found to be satisfactory. Thus, the NUGV seems to be a promising instrument for outcome assessment in chaplaincy. More research is needed on the construct validity and specificity of the outcomes, as well as the use of the instrument in inpatient settings and among people with lower language and cognitive capabilities. We recommend that researchers administer the NUGV in person, to enable more support during the sorting task and to facilitate richer data in the post-sorting interview.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/6/742chaplaincyoutcome researchPROMinstrument development
spellingShingle Anja Visser
Annelieke Damen
Carmen Schuhmann
X. J. S. (Sujin) Rosie
Hanneke Muthert
Erik Olsman
Marjo van Zundert
Gaby Jacobs
Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure
Religions
chaplaincy
outcome research
PROM
instrument development
title Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure
title_full Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure
title_fullStr Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure
title_full_unstemmed Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure
title_short Development of the Dutch Chaplaincy Outcome Measure
title_sort development of the dutch chaplaincy outcome measure
topic chaplaincy
outcome research
PROM
instrument development
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/6/742
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