Can prayer groups reduce hospital readmission rates?
There is suggestive but not definitive evidence that prayer groups and other forms of spiritual and social support can contribute to better health behaviors and outcomes that may, in turn, lower hospital readmissions. Studies and organizational resources link stronger social support, caregiver engagement, and attention to spiritual needs with improved patient outcomes and reduced readmissions, but high-quality randomized trials isolating prayer groups as the causal factor are scarce[1][4].
Why prayer groups might help
– Social support and practical help: Prayer groups usually provide emotional support, practical assistance (rides, meals, medication reminders), and advocacy for care needs; such nonmedical support is associated with better recovery and fewer readmissions[1].
– Improved medication and self-care adherence: Patients who feel supported and connected are more likely to follow discharge instructions and take medications as prescribed; barriers to home medication self-management are a known driver of readmissions[2].
– Stress reduction and coping: Spiritual practices including communal prayer can reduce stress and improve coping skills, which may positively affect chronic disease management and recovery trajectories[4].
– Holistic care alignment: Integrating spiritual needs into care plans can improve patient engagement with health services and discharge planning, producing smoother transitions from hospital to home[4].
Limitations and gaps in the evidence
– Few randomized controlled trials: There is a lack of rigorous randomized studies that specifically test prayer groups as an intervention to reduce readmissions, making causal claims uncertain[4].
– Confounding factors: People who participate in prayer groups may differ in socioeconomic status, baseline social support, or health behaviors from those who do not; these differences can explain better outcomes independent of prayer itself[1][4].
– Heterogeneity of interventions: “Prayer group” can mean many things — from informal phone chains to organized faith community programs that include visiting, transportation, and medication help — so effects likely vary by what the group actually does[1].
– Measurement challenges: Readmission is influenced by clinical factors (disease severity, comorbidities), care coordination, and access to outpatient services; isolating the contribution of spiritual support requires careful study design[2][4].
Practical ways prayer groups could be used to reduce readmissions
– Coordinate with discharge planning: Prayer groups that link with hospital social work or pastoral care can help ensure follow up appointments, transportation, and home support are in place before discharge[1].
– Provide concrete supports: Focusing on concrete needs known to reduce readmissions — medication management, meal support, transportation, appointment reminders — makes spiritual groups more effective at preventing readmission[2][1].
– Train volunteers: Basic training in confidentiality, signs of clinical deterioration, and how to escalate concerns to clinical teams helps volunteers augment, not replace, medical care[1].
– Monitor and track outcomes: Collecting simple data on which supports were provided and subsequent readmissions can help faith groups demonstrate value and refine services[1].
Ethical and practical considerations
– Respect for patient autonomy: Participation in prayer-based support must be voluntary and patient-centered; spiritual care should never substitute for medical care or pressure patients to participate.
– Cultural and religious diversity: Programs should be inclusive or offer nonreligious forms of social support for those who prefer secular assistance.
– Integration with clinical teams: Clear communication channels between volunteer groups and clinicians are essential to ensure safety and appropriate escalation of clinical issues.
What the current guidance suggests
– Health systems and community organizations are encouraged to consider spirituality and social support as part of holistic care planning because these factors are linked to better outcomes and can reduce factors that lead to readmission[4][1].
– Targeted interventions that combine spiritual support with practical services (medication help, transportation, appointment coordination) are the most plausible route to lowering readmissions, based on evidence about what drives return hospitalizations[2][1].
Sources
https://www.caringbridge.org/resources
https://www.dovepress.com/barriers-to-home-based-medication-self-management-among-older-adults-w-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-PPA
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/bitstreams/9ac1ec10-3cf7-4e83-a466-17f495de6dfc/download
