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Hospitalized Patients' Responses to Offers of Prayer
Kathy McMillan1, Elizabeth Johnston Taylor2
1Employee Spiritual Care and Wholeness, Loma Linda University Medical Center, LLUMC Room 6700H, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA. kmcmillan@llu.edu.
Journal of Religion and Health
|July 26, 2017
Summary
Hospitalized patients often pray for health. A study found that 88% of patients accepted a healthcare provider's offer of prayer, with most finding it helpful, indicating a positive reception to spiritual support.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Patient Spirituality
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- Many Americans engage in prayer, particularly concerning their health.
- The role of spiritual care within hospital settings remains an area of interest.
- Understanding patient preferences for spiritual support during hospitalization is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hospitalized patients' willingness to accept an offer of prayer from a healthcare provider.
- To measure patient perceptions of helpfulness regarding offered prayer.
- To explore patient desire for daily prayer during their hospital stay.
Main Methods:
- A study involving hospitalized patients who received a massage therapy intervention.
- Patients were offered a colloquial prayer following the massage.
- Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from 78 participants and analyzed statistically.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (88%) of patients accepted the offer of prayer.
- Most participants (85%) reported that the prayer was helpful.
- A notable proportion (51%) expressed a desire for daily prayer.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalized patients may be receptive to offers of prayer from healthcare providers.
- Patient acceptance and perceived helpfulness of prayer are high.
- Genuine kindness and respect from clinicians are essential when offering spiritual support.
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