Spiritual complementary therapies in cancer care.
OBJECTIVE
To review literature documenting the frequency of use and efficacy of spiritual complementary therapies. Implications for clinical practice and research that reflect this literature are offered.


METHODS
Data based research on complementary therapy usage and clinical articles about selected mind/body therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
Spiritual complementary therapies are among the most frequently used. Prayer, spiritual healing, and meditation are the most frequently used spiritual therapies. Equivocal evidence supports their efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Although spiritual practices may not be considered a "therapy," clinicians should assess and support these practices. Clinicians should only pray with patients when observing ethical guidelines.
Taylor
Elizabeth Johnston
EJ
School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA. ejtaylor@sn.llu.edu
D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality