We are excited to announce the upcoming Religion and Spirituality in Healthcare Conference, a unique gathering dedicated to expanding the scope of spiritual care research in South African healthcare. This conference is presented by HospiVision in collaboration with the Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria and is made possible through the support of Grant 63219 from the John Templeton Foundation..
Conference Overview
Spirituality has always played a crucial role in healthcare, yet its integration into modern medical practice has significantly declined. The Religion and Spirituality in Healthcare Conference aims to restore and strengthen this connection by fostering interdisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration between faith communities and healthcare services, and exploring innovative ways to incorporate spirituality into patient care.
This conference will provide a platform for researchers, healthcare practitioners, theologians, policymakers, and students to engage in meaningful discussions and share cutting-edge research in this vital field.
Conference Schedule
14 October – Research Workshop: Transcending Boundaries in Research
This one-day workshop is designed for academics and scholars interested in interdisciplinary research on religion, spirituality, and healthcare. The workshop will explore multiple methodologies and transdisciplinary research approaches to enhance the quality of scientific studies in this field. Topics include:
-
A review of current local and international research on spirituality and health.
-
Recommendations for future research in South Africa.
-
Challenges in measuring spirituality and available assessment tools.
15 – 16 October – Conference Presentations: Religion and Spirituality in Healthcare
A two-day session where researchers will present their latest findings on religion and spirituality in healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, discuss key issues, and gain insights into evidence-based practices.
17 October – Post-Conference Workshop: Holistic Healing: Merging Spiritual Care with Medical Practice
This interactive workshop will focus on translating research findings into practical applications. Discussions will include:
-
How research findings can be implemented in South African hospitals.
-
The challenges of integrating spiritual care into medical practice.
-
Small group discussions on practical solutions for addressing patients’ spiritual needs.
Key Research Questions
The conference will explore several critical questions, including:
-
How can spiritual and religious interventions complement conventional medical treatment and improve healthcare outcomes?
-
What impact do spiritual and religious beliefs, including harmful religious practices, have on patient experiences and care?
-
How does spiritual education among healthcare professionals influence their approach to patient care?
-
How can interdisciplinary collaboration enhance the integration of spiritual care into healthcare settings?
Who Should Attend?
This conference is open to healthcare practitioners, theologians, researchers, academics, policymakers, and students interested in the intersection of religion and healthcare. Additionally, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and hospital administrators are encouraged to participate.
Registration Information
-
Research Workshop (14 October): R900
-
2-Day Conference & Post-Conference Workshop (15-17 October): R1 600
-
One-Day Conference (15 or 16 October): R900 per day
-
Post-Conference Workshop (17 October): R450
-
Cocktail Dinner & Networking (16 October, partially sponsored): R50
Accommodation
Onsite accommodation is available at Future Africa. Visit Future Africa Accommodation for more details.
Call for Abstracts
We invite researchers and scholars to submit abstracts for presentations. Abstracts should be 250-300 words and structured as follows:
-
Title: Clear and concise.
-
Background: Relevance to the conference theme.
-
Objectives: Goals of the research.
-
Methodology: Research methods used.
-
Results: Key findings.
-
Conclusion: Implications for healthcare practice or policy.
Submission Deadline: 5 March 2025
Submission Email: Conference@HospiVision.org.za
Contact Information
📞 Tel: 012 3299492
📧 Email: Conference@HospiVision.org.za
Join us in shaping the future of spiritual care in South African healthcare!
