Barriers to Physician and Patient Prayer in Clinical Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study of Physicians in the United States and Internationally.

This study aims to investigate the barriers that physicians encounter when incorporating prayer into patient care, and to identify factors influencing both their desire to offer prayer and their actual practice of offering to pray with patients. Between March and July 2023, a convenience sample of 203 physicians affiliated with faith-based networks was recruited, including 195 from the United States and eight internationally. An anonymous online survey assessed demographics, as well as attitudes, and practices related to prayer, both personally and in clinical practice. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with both the desire to pray and the actual practice of offering prayer. A subgroup analysis examined physicians who offered prayer less frequently than they desired. Participants were primarily Caucasian (64%), Protestant (79%), and 97% valued prayer in their personal lives. Of the 203 physicians, 195 were from the United States and eight were from other countries. Additionally, 53% were aged 46 years or older, 54% were specialists, 46% were in primary care, 65% had academic affiliations, 71% worked in non-faith-based settings, and 48% identified as female. Key factors associated with a lower frequency of desiring to offer prayer included having an academic rank of professor (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.01-10.63) and lower religiosity scores (OR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.15-15.05). Factors linked to a lower frequency of offering prayer included specialization (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.12-6.56), lower religiosity scores (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.12-6.43), and fear of institutional repercussions (OR = 6.48, 95% CI: 2.44-17.22). Subgroup analyses revealed that specialization (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.06-5.06) and fear of institutional repercussions (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 2.10-10.87) were significant barriers to offering prayer as often as desired. This study highlights the multifaceted barriers physicians face when incorporating prayer into clinical practice. The findings will inform the development of patient-centered strategies that adhere to ethical and professional healthcare standards. Addressing these challenges through patient-centered strategies and clear guidelines can enhance comprehensive care that supports spiritual well-being. Such efforts align with evidence-informed, whole-person-centered approaches, fostering a more holistic and compassionate healthcare experience.