Positive Health Online

Abstract

SCOENBERGER et al., Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, West Orange, NJ, USA, E: nancysholland@bellsouth.net, surveyed the opinions and practices of medical rehabilitation professionals regarding prayer and meditation .

Background

The objective of the study was to assess the attitudes and practices of professionals in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR ) with regards to prayer and meditation.

Methodology

A survey including questions about the use of a number of complementary and alternative therapies was mailed to 7,479 professionals specializing in PMR. 1,221 completed surveys were returned.

Results

Although the majority of practitioners endorsed the use of prayer as a legitimate health care practice, there was greater faith in meditation . Older respondents were more likely to recommend meditation to patients and more likely to meditate themselves . Nurses and occupational therapist s were more positive towards meditation and prayer than physicians and physical therapists . Personal use of a technique was the strongest predictor of professional behaviour. Correlation between attitudes and professional behaviour was generally weak: despite accepting prayer and meditation as health care practices, practitioners generally did not refer patients for meditation or religious consultation .

Conclusion

A large part of the variance in professional behaviour is not accounted for by the variables surveyed, indicating that unknown factors are more influential upon professional practice decisions .

References

Schoenberger NE, Matheis RJ, Shiglett SC, Cotter AC. Opinions and practices of medical rehabilitation professionals regarding prayer and meditation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 8 (1): 59-69, Feb 2002