Prayer and spirituality

Many patients with arthritis are strongly influenced by religious beliefs a nd often participate in religious healing activities such as prayer and wor ship attendance. Scientific studies demonstrate, and most patients confirm, that faith and involvement in religious healing activities can be helpful in preventing and treating illness, recovering from surgery, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. To improve the care of patients, clinicians should develop a patient-centered, spiritually sensitive form of medical p ractice in which religious issues are addressed gently and appropriately wi th dignity respect, and integrity.