Chronically Ill Patients Treated by Spiritual Healing Improve in Quality of Life: Results of a Randomized Waiting-List Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective:

Little is known about the effects of distant healing in chronically ill patients, the population most likely to see a healer in practice. This study investigated whether distant healing as found in normal practice with patients representative of those seeking treatment from healers changes patients' quality of life substantially.

Method:

Randomized, waiting-list controlled study of distant healing (anonymous, amulet, and allowing for personal contact) in chronically ill patients.

Outcome measure:

Patient-reported quality of life as expressed by the sum of all MOS SF-36 health survey items.

Results:

Sixty patients were treated by various methods of distant healing over 5 months; 59 patients were put on a waiting list (control). Quality of life improved significantly(p < 0.0005) in the treated group (10 points), while it remained stable in the control group. Positive expectation was significantly correlated with outcome.

Conclusion:

Chronically ill patients who want to be treated by distant healing and know that they are treated improve in quality of life.