Which statement best describes the role of chaplain services and social workers in surrogate decision-making?

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In surrogate decision-making, chaplain services and social workers support the process by providing emotional and spiritual support, information, and referrals to resources that help families and patients make informed, values-based choices. They help clarify the patient’s preferences, discuss goals of care in understandable terms, and connect families with resources—financial, housing, respite, or community supports—and coordinate with the medical team to ensure decisions align with the patient’s values. They may also navigate cultural or spiritual considerations and help resolve conflicts among family members or with clinicians. They do not enforce the family’s choices, they do not replace clinicians in making medical decisions, and their involvement spans the decision-making period, not solely after death.