Purpose: To conduct
a systematic review of the available data on the efficacy of any form
of “distant healing” (prayer, mental healing, Therapeutic
Touch, or spiritual healing) as treatment for any medical condition.
Data Sources: Studies
were identified by an electronic search of the MEDLINE, PsychLIT,
EMBASE, CISCOM, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception
to the end of 1999 and by contact with researchers in the field.
Study Selection: Studies
with the following features were included: random assignment, placebo
or other adequate control, publication in peer-reviewed journals,
clinical (rather than experimental) investigations, and use of human
participants.
Data Extraction: Two
investigators independently extracted data on study design, sample
size, type of intervention, type of control, direction of effect (supporting
or refuting the hypothesis), and nature of the outcomes.
Data Synthesis: A total
of 23 trials involving 2774 patients met the inclusion criteria and
were analyzed. Heterogeneity of the studies precluded a formal meta-analysis.
Of the trials, 5 examined prayer as the distant healing intervention,
11 assessed noncontact Therapeutic Touch, and 7 examined other forms
of distant healing. Of the 23 studies, 13 (57%) yielded statistically
significant treatment effects, 9 showed no effect over control interventions,
and 1 showed a negative effect.
Conclusions: The methodologic
limitations of several studies make it difficult to draw definitive
conclusions about the efficacy of distant healing. However, given
that approximately 57% of trials showed a positive treatment effect,
the evidence thus far merits further study.
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