title: The spiritual aspect of caring--an integral part of health and healing.
abstract: Prayer and Spirituality are now recognized complementary therapies and receiving funding through the National Institutes of Health. More than 130 controlled studies demonstrate that prayer or a prayer-like state of compassion, empathy, and love can bring about measurable healthful changes. Nurses and all health care professionals are in perfect position to help optimize these benefits for their patients. This article suggests practical ways to support patients through challenging times.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krebs
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D029181:Spirituality; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome