Assessing the Effectiveness of Prayer for Pre-operative Cardio-thoracic Patients

Introduction and background: Every human being on this earth needs the divine help from God, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, educational status, etc. especially during sickness, man becomes helpless and tries to seek the help of divine forces. The pastoral care giver’s role is very important both supportive and curative to participants. Prayer is an act of communication by humans with the supernatural power. Human tendency is to be afraid and anxious about the upcoming surgery, which has an effect on the blood pressure; the surgeons find it difficult to proceed. A merry heart is responsible for the major healing process. Methods: This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of prayer for pre-operative cardio-thoracic participants with the objective to reduce fear and anxiety from the participant through prayer. It was limited only to the cardio-thoracic participants admitted in the wards of a selected multi-specialty hospital in Vellore Dist. Tamilnadu. Participants between the age group 31 and 70 yrs, irrespective of any gender, single or married who can speak Tamil/English and is pre-operative for at least 3 days were included. A standardized tool consisting of 10 items was administered using Questionnaire method. Participants were expected to rate them according to how much they have been benefitted. The participant scored accordingly i.e., 1, 2, 3. 1=least effective, 2=moderately effective, 3=most effective. A sample size of 10 was conveniently recruited. The investigator conducted 3 sessions prior to the day of surgery. In the first session the investigator established good rapport, provided pastoral care and prayed. In the second session, the investigator enquired about the participant and prayed. In the final session an assessment was carried on, focusing on evaluating the spiritual coping starting with prayer. The interview with the participant took place at the bedside of the ward. Results: 60% of the participants had their fear absolutely reduced after the pastoral care giver prayed for them. It is significant that 10% of the participant’s fear was reduced by the pastoral care giver’s prayer. 70% of the participants had their anxiety absolutely reduced after the pastoral care giver prayed for them. It is significant that the pastoral care giver’s prayer was effective for all 10 participants with regard to reduction of anxiety. 60% of the participants were absolutely confident after the pastoral care giver prayed for them. 70% of the participants were able to feel close to God completely. 70% of the participants were mentally prepared to face the surgery. 70% of the participants were able to feel God’s presence completely. 80% of the participants absolutely gained faith upon God. 40% of the participants were able to completely cope emotionally. 50% of the participants were able to moderately cope emotionally. 10% of the participants were able to minimally cope emotionally. 70% of the participants were fully benefitted by the pastoral care giver’s prayer. Conclusion: Prayer made an impact in the wellbeing of the participants. The participants gained faith upon God and had the real experience of feeling the presence of God at the bedside. Prayer helped the participant to cope emotionally and to have a hope for the future. They believed that there would be a smooth recovery. This study revealed that the pastoral care giver’s prayer was effective by making a significant difference in their coping pattern.