Patients and families in hospitals can often be seen praying for health and wellness. Religion and faith have been an integral part of healthcare historically and remain a key aspect of healing for many patients. Religious beliefs can have potential health benefits by reducing mortality rates, contributing to patient coping and mental health, and enhancing recovery.
Context
Religion is an aspect that has been long utilized in healthcare management. Even early theorists such as Florence Nightingale greatly included elements of religion in the concepts of patient care. The modern evidence-based and technological approach to healthcare delivery has sought to eliminate the spiritual factor of treatment. It is a controversial and sensitive topic for many, but the religious beliefs of both patients and medical professionals play an important role in upkeeping morale and patient perceptions. In turn, this positively reflects on treatment and recovery, similar to psychological factors. This context contributes to the overwhelming evidence that spirituality should be welcomed in healthcare.
1st Pro-Point
Religion and spirituality are associated with improving mortality rates among patients. A large 5-year cohort study was conducted by Park et al. (2016) to study spirituality as a predictor of mortality risk among patients with congestive heart failure. The researchers state, “religiousness has for many years been associated with reduced mortality risk in the general population” (Park et al., 2016, p. 209). Controlling for demographic and health factors, religion and spirituality were associated with better health behaviors as well as adherence to the treatment regimen. Meanwhile, spirituality was associated with a 20% reduced mortality risk (Park et al., 2016). This can be attributed to religion helping to experience spiritual peace and supporting a healthier lifestyle (fasting, dietary preferences, spiritual activity) which are predictors of mortality. In patients with serious conditions such as congestive heart failure, functional status and comorbidity are key indicators of health and mortality risk, which are mitigated by spirituality.
2nd Pro-Point
Another positive aspect of spirituality is that it improves coping mechanisms in patients. Multiple kinds of literature on the topic, particularly a study by Reynolds, Mrug, Wolfe, Schwebel, and Wallander (2016) and a book by Oman (2018), suggests the beneficial impact on patient ability to cope with illness. Reynolds et al. (2016) state, “negative spiritual coping strategies are related to poor health outcomes” (p. 240). Meanwhile, Oman (2018) describes how pain perception and management within “coping-related dimensions” are positively influenced by religion (p. 247). It is an indicator that spirituality can have multiple roles in helping patients cope, ranging from dealing with pain to facing prospects of morbidity and mortality.
3rd Pro-Point
Finally, religion can enhance the process of recovery in patients. Reynolds et al. (2016) conducted a systematic review meta-analysis on 14 studies regarding how spirituality helps youth with chronic illnesses, where recovery is a vital healthcare process. The researchers found that “patients experiencing spiritual struggle may be at risk of poor health outcomes” (p. 239). The study outcomes demonstrate that spiritual coping is an effective strategy for both young and adult patients by contributing to psychosocial adjustment and helping to deal with stress while improving overall well-being.
Conclusion
Religion and spirituality offer potential health benefits in reducing mortality risks and improving coping techniques, which leads to enhanced recovery among patients. The belief and confidence that faith offers to patients are difficult to replace, and it has a positive psychological impact on aspects such as coping with illness or managing pain. Healthcare should continue moving forward as a secular institution, but spirituality should be encouraged if the patient expresses the need for it.
References
Oman, D. (2018). Why religion and spirituality matter for public health: Evidence, implications, and resources. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
Park, C. L., Aldwin, C. M., Choun, S., George, L., Suresh, D. P., & Bliss, D. (2016). Spiritual peace predicts 5-year mortality in congestive heart failure patients. Health Psychology, 35(3), 203–210. Web.
Reynolds, N., Mrug, S., Wolfe, K., Schwebel, D., & Wallander, J. (2016). Spiritual coping, psychology adjustment, and physical health in youth with chronic illness: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychology Review, 10(2), 226-243.