A knowledge gap exists in the area of utilizing prayer with patients as a nursing intervention to promote healing. I was only able to find one article that specifically focused on praying with patients as a nursing intervention in the clinical setting (Johnson et al., 2009). From this one study of ten women with recurring ovarian cancer, healing effects of prayer via nursing intervention was reported. In fact, most participants identified prayer as beneficial in promotion of emotional well-being and faith. Participants also reported a reduction in anxiety and depression (Johnson et al., 2009). Although this was the only study that measured the intervention of nurses praying with patients, there were several studies that explored the healing
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& Narayanasamy, M., 2008). Further, prayer and spirituality have been shown to improve patient outcomes concerning issues of mortality, pain, coping and recovery (Puchalski, 2001). Studies where patient prayed on their own for healing and strength have also produced reported feelings of well-being and acceptance (Beuscher & Grando, 2009). Considering that 95% of Americans believe in God, 82% believe in the healing powers of prayer, 90% participate in regular prayer and 77% believe that God can intervene to cure serious illnesses, why would we not offer prayer as a nursing intervention? (Thieman, 2012). Some researchers are skeptical and state there is not any conclusive scientific results that present empirical proof of the effects of prayer in healing (Narayanasamy, A. & Narayanasamy, M., 2008).
Due to the lack of knowledge that exists in my area of inquiry, a research model is needed to guide future studies. The Ace Star Model of Knowledge Transformation is a good fit for this area of inquiry, because it allows for efficient integration of EBP into the clinical setting (“Star Model,” 2012). This model also complements my area of inquiry, because it synthesizes old and new knowledge. We have numerous accounts in history of the use of prayer and spirituality in healing and we have current knowledge (mostly qualitative) that suggests a need …show more content…
This will be a long-term goal considering the complexities and expertise involved in research design. The more evidence we gather that warrants implementation of EBP, the greater influence we have over healthcare policy and change (Grove et al., 2015). If we can present a substantial amount of evidence that prayer with patients has significant healing capabilities, it may be offered as a standard intervention in healthcare someday. I hope to search and search again in pursuit of EBP that changes healthcare outcomes for the betterment of all. This class has provided a foundation for how to navigate the research process, and I am grateful for the
& Narayanasamy, M., 2008). Further, prayer and spirituality have been shown to improve patient outcomes concerning issues of mortality, pain, coping and recovery (Puchalski, 2001). Studies where patient prayed on their own for healing and strength have also produced reported feelings of well-being and acceptance (Beuscher & Grando, 2009). Considering that 95% of Americans believe in God, 82% believe in the healing powers of prayer, 90% participate in regular prayer and 77% believe that God can intervene to cure serious illnesses, why would we not offer prayer as a nursing intervention? (Thieman, 2012). Some researchers are skeptical and state there is not any conclusive scientific results that present empirical proof of the effects of prayer in healing (Narayanasamy, A. & Narayanasamy, M., 2008).
Due to the lack of knowledge that exists in my area of inquiry, a research model is needed to guide future studies. The Ace Star Model of Knowledge Transformation is a good fit for this area of inquiry, because it allows for efficient integration of EBP into the clinical setting (“Star Model,” 2012). This model also complements my area of inquiry, because it synthesizes old and new knowledge. We have numerous accounts in history of the use of prayer and spirituality in healing and we have current knowledge (mostly qualitative) that suggests a need …show more content…
This will be a long-term goal considering the complexities and expertise involved in research design. The more evidence we gather that warrants implementation of EBP, the greater influence we have over healthcare policy and change (Grove et al., 2015). If we can present a substantial amount of evidence that prayer with patients has significant healing capabilities, it may be offered as a standard intervention in healthcare someday. I hope to search and search again in pursuit of EBP that changes healthcare outcomes for the betterment of all. This class has provided a foundation for how to navigate the research process, and I am grateful for the