Abstract
Background
Options
1. Pray with/for the patient: It is entirely appropriate for physicians to pray if they feel comfortable doing so and such prayer is consistent with their own spirituality (see, however, “Pitfalls” below).
2. Sit with the patient while the patient prays: A physician who is uncomfortable praying with/for the patient may choose instead to sit quietly in supportive company while the patient prays. In this way, physicians lend support to the patient and his/her spiritual beliefs without explicitly endorsing a particular belief system themselves.
3. Respectfully decline: Physicians who are uncomfortable with either of the above options may respectfully decline to pray with/for the patient. To avoid the patient feeling rejected, the physician may want to say, “I am really sorry, I am not comfortable with that [i.e., leading a prayer].” In such cases, physicians are encouraged to make nonreligious supportive comments, for example, “You will be in my thoughts.”
Note: Patients who ask for prayers may have unmet spiritual needs. A chaplain can assist patients in talking or reflecting upon their spiritual issues. The physician should ask the patient about referral, for example, “Would you like to visit with the hospital chaplain?” or “Would it be helpful for the hospital chaplain to come and spend some time with you?”
Pitfalls
1. It is inappropriate for the physician to impose his/her religious beliefs on the patient or to offer prayer in a manner that is not respectful of the patient's beliefs. Given the differences in beliefs and practices, even within specific denominations, nondenominational prayer is safest. For example, rather than referring to Jesus, Buddha, or Allah, use a more neutral and inclusive term such as God. Asking God for support or that God's will be done is safer than asking for specific outcomes, particularly if you think the patient is dying.
2. A physician should not promise to pray for a patient if s/he has no intention of doing so. This has the potential to undermine trust in the physician-patient relationship.