Sacred Moments in Healthcare: An Evidence-Based Conceptual Model

Abstract

Addressing physician burnout and patients' distrust of healthcare is a priority. To foster more reciprocally healing experiences in healthcare, we provide an evidence-based conceptual model of sacred moments. "Sacred moments" are brief periods in which people experience transcendence, boundlessness, ultimacy, deep interconnectedness, and spiritual emotions. First, we review empirical and interpretive literature, highlighting the value of sacred moments in the context of a whole health (or whole person) approach to healthcare. Sacred moments appear to protect against clinician burnout while promoting meaning in work, well-being, and prosocial engagement. For patients, sacred moments seem to 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. A rationale for the term sacred is provided, drawing conceptual roots from the psychological theory of sanctification. Next, predisposing factors, precipitating factors, process-based factors, and prohibitive factors to sacred moments are summarized. Additionally, a conceptual mapping of related phenomena, such as glimmers, peak experiences, flow states, mystical experiences, and quantum change is provided. Individual and systems applications are subsequently underscored. Recommendations include conducting "Sacred Moment Rounds," partnering with spiritual care, and creating conditions conducive to sacred moments in healthcare. Finally, unresolved issues and future investigative directions are suggested. Potential avenues include expanding sacred moments research to more contexts, identifying novel factors, designing cross-cultural, virtual reality, and imaging studies, and examining the role of sacred moments in healing from psychological trauma.