Documented rituals in pediatric intensive care: a decade of sacramental and symbolic practices in a pluralistic clinical setting

Ritual practice in pediatric intensive care extends well beyond last rites, encompassing symbolic, anticipatory, and adaptively tailored acts integrated into routine clinical care. These patterns reflect the influence of urgency, availability, and cultural diversity on ritual expression. Documentation gaps limit full quantification and underscore the need for prospective, mixed-methods studies and inclusive institutional frameworks for culturally and spiritually responsive care.