Unsolicited Prayer to patients by Migrant Healthcare Practitioners: A Medico-Legal and Ethical Perspective
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Abstract
In recent years, several migrant healthcare practitioners in the United Kingdom have reportedly faced disciplinary action, dismissal from employment or deportation from the country for unsolicited prayers for patients. These incidents occur despite the fact that many patients and healthcare workers have reported finding comfort in prayer, which may also support individuals and families in coping with illness or significant life events.
The question of whether healthcare workers should pray with or for patients remains the subject of ongoing debate within the broader landscape of spiritual care in clinical settings. This is against the backdrop of research finding which indicates that nurses are frequently asked by patients to offer them prayer or provide them with spiritual support as part of holistic care [1,2].
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References
DiJoseph J, Cavendish R (2005) Expanding the dialogue on prayer relevant to holistic care. Holist Nurs Pract 19: 147-54. https://journals.lww.com/hnpjournal/abstract/2005/07000/expanding_the_dialogue_on_prayer_relevant_to.4.aspx
(2018) Nursing and midwifery council, the code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
Taylor EJ (2002) Spiritual care: Nursing theory, research and practice. https://archive.org/details/spiritualcarenur0000tayl
