The Influence of Prayer on Critical Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Critical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) might experience some degree of depression or anxiety, due to different treatments and medications they receive. These mental conditions can persist even years after hospital discharge. Therefore, the mental health of these patients is one of the particular interests. In this context, religious traditions and prayers are considered during the illness process. Objectives: The current article reviews the beneficial effects of prayer in light of research conducted in this area. Methods: A general search for electronic databases (Medline, Science Direct and Springer databases) was developed. The human studies of the influence of prayers in critically ill patients were evaluated. Results: The results indicated that prayer might be effective in reducing the severity of the disease in patients admitted to intensive care units and it has a positive effect on critical ICU patients. Conclusions: It is recommended that a prayer-based approach be taken to improve the mental health of these patients in a clinical setting.