Advancing Catholic Health Ministry

The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs) outline the moral and theological principles guiding Catholic hospitals and health systems in fulfilling their mission of healing. They articulate the Church’s deep convictions about human dignity, the common good and faithful stewardship within the modern practice of medicine. As science and social questions evolve, so too must the guidance that supports the Catholic health ministry.

A 60-year-old woman living with chronic conditions such as asthma, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis and depression sought emergency care due to worsening shortness of breath. Following her discharge from the emergency department, she continued to struggle with her symptoms while also navigating significant barriers to recovery, including food insecurity, lack of transportation and the need for home-based medical support.

Formation is widely recognized as a crucial tool for embedding Catholic identity and essential for aligning personal values with Catholic health care's mission," writes Shaikat Sen, executive vice president of HSM Group and lead researcher for CHA's nationwide study of ministry formation across its membership. Launched in the fall of 2024 to build on findings from CHA's 2022 Mission Leader Survey, the survey's goal was to discover members' activities and needs related to ministry formation.

Health care in America is in need of a transformation. Average costs of care are consistently double those of other developed countries, while outcomes in the U.S. — like life expectancy, infant mortality and chronic disease management — fall short. Access remains a consistent issue with almost 8% of Americans, or 26 million people, without health insurance. Millions more are underinsured, causing them to delay or avoid care altogether.

When it comes to thinking about this issue of Health Progress exploring Health Care Across America, it's helpful to consider: What are our values, and how are those reflected in our health care system?

The case of Karen Ann Quinlan remains a watershed moment in both Catholic bioethics and secular ethical and legal thought. On its 50th anniversary, its impact resonates in evolving understandings of dignity, autonomy and the role of modern medical technology.

First, remember your vocation. Caring for patients is the main thing that doctors, nurses and health care professionals do. Navigating the nuances of immigration policy? Not so much. Unfortunately, immigration enforcement has become highly politicized, impeding the ability of healers to effectively treat their patients and to promote their health. Health care professionals need tools to address the social influencers of health related to immigration enforcement.

At Providence, our commitment to delivering high-quality, mission-driven care guides us in everything we do, including leveraging technology solutions. To help give time back for what matters most — patient care and human connection — we're investing in artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools designed to streamline workflows and simplify day-to-day processes.

Roughly 1 in 5 Americans — more than 60 million in all — live in rural areas across the country. The striking provider disparity between urban and rural areas in America is one key reason why. While urban areas currently average 31 providers per 10,000 people, rural areas have just 13 per 10,000 residents. And while urban areas boast 263 specialists for every 100,000 individuals, rural areas have only 30 specialists available per 100,000 people, according to the National Rural Health Association.

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are reshaping American health care, cutting billions in costs and improving patient outcomes through a patient-centered, preventive approach. Despite these successes, ACOs are facing growing challenges, prompting calls for reform to help these models achieve their full potential.