Sacred Moments in Healthcare: An Evidence-Based Conceptual Model
Journal of General Internal Medicine June 4, 2026 Serena Wong, Sanjay Saint, Jessica Ameling et al.
Sacred moments—brief periods of transcendence, boundlessness, ultimacy, deep interconnectedness, and spiritual emotions—appear to protect clinicians against burnout while promoting meaning in work, well-being, and prosocial engagement. For patients, these moments function as a buffer against stress and are associated with well-being, purpose in life, greater satisfaction with care, stronger alliance with clinicians, and mental health improvements. The term sacred is grounded in the psychological theory of sanctification. The paper reviews predisposing, precipitating, process-based, and prohibitive factors, and maps related phenomena such as glimmers, peak experiences, flow states, mystical experiences, and quantum change. Recommendations include conducting Sacred Moment Rounds, partnering with spiritual care, and creating conditions conducive to sacred moments in healthcare. Future research directions are suggested.