Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Prayer is an ancient and widely used intervention for alleviating illness and promoting good health. This review focuses specifically on intercessory prayer, which is organised, regular and committed, and those who practise it will almost inevitably hold some committed belief that they are praying to God. Whilst the outcomes of trials of prayer cannot be interpreted as 'proof/disproof' of God's response to those praying, there may be an effect of prayer not dependent on divine intervention. This may be quantifiable, making this investigation of a most widely used health care intervention both possible and important. OBJECTIVES:To review the effectiveness of prayer as an additional intervention for those with health problems already receiving standard medical care. SEARCH STRATEGY:ATLA (1949-1997), Biological Abstracts (1985-1999), CINAHL (1982-1999), The Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register (December 1999), CCTR of the Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 1999), EMBASE (1980-1999), MEDLINE (1966-1999) and PsycLIT (1887-1999), Sociofile (1974-1996) and Sociological Abstracts (1963-1999) were methodically searched. All references of articles selected were searched for further relevant trials. SELECTION CRITERIA:Randomised trials of personal, focused, committed and organised intercessory prayer on behalf of anyone with a health problem were considered. Outcomes such as achievement of desired goals, death, illness, quality of life and well-being for the recipients of prayer, those praying and the care-givers were sought. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:Studies were reliably selected and assessed for methodological quality. Data were extracted by two reviewers working independently. Dichotomous data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. MAIN RESULTS:There was no evidence that prayer affected the numbers of people dying from leukaemia or heart disease (OR 1.11, CI 0.79-1.56, n=1424). Intercessory prayer did not clearly decrease the odds of people with heart problems experiencing a bad or intermediate outcome (OR 0.8, CI 0.64-1.00, n=1444) but this finding was moved towards the null by inclusion of a negative assumption for those who were dropped from the analysis in one study. Prayer increased the odds of readmission to the Coronary Care Unit (OR 1.54 CI 1.02-2.33, n=1406) but these results are made significantly negative by the inclusion of an assumption of poor outcome for those not accounted for in the final analyses. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS:Data in this review are too inconclusive to guide those wishing to uphold or refute the effect of intercessory prayer on health care outcomes. In the light of the best available data, there are no grounds to change current practices. There are few completed trials of the value of intercessory prayer, and the evidence presented so far is interesting enough to justify further study. If prayer is seen as a human endeavour it may or may not be beneficial, and further trials could uncover this. It could be the case that any effects are due to elements beyond present scientific understanding that will, in time, be understood. If any benefit derives from God's response to prayer it may be beyond any such trials to prove or disprove.
journal_name
Cochrane Database Syst Revjournal_title
The Cochrane database of systematic reviewsauthors
Roberts L,Ahmed I,Hall Sdoi
10.1002/14651858.CD000368keywords:
subject
Has Abstractpub_date
2000-01-01 00:00:00pages
CD000368issue
2issn
1469-493Xpii
CD000368pub_type
杂志文章,评审abstract:BACKGROUND:In developing countries, phenobarbitone is commonly used but its use in Europe and the USA has decreased due to concerns over adverse effects. Carbamazepine is recommended as the drug of choice for partial onset seizures, and there is concern that it may worsen some generalized onset seizure types. We report...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001904
更新日期:2003-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:The pain of mammography is recognised as a significant deterrent for women considering this examination, and may affect participation in breast screening. OBJECTIVES:To review interventions to reduce or relieve the pain and discomfort of screening mammography. SEARCH STRATEGY:For this update, the Cochrane ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002942.pub2
更新日期:2008-01-23 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and disabling condition that usually manifests in response to trauma or surgery. When it occurs, it is associated with significant pain and disability. It is thought to arise and persist as a consequence of a maladaptive pro-inflammatory response and disturb...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010853.pub2
更新日期:2016-02-24 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:In an effort to improve outcomes of in-vitro fertilisation cycles the use of growth hormone has been considered. Improving the outcomes of in-vitro fertilisation is especially important for subfertile women who are considered 'poor responders'. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effectiveness of adjuvant growth hormo...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000099.pub3
更新日期:2010-01-20 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women and the leading cause of death in women with gynaecological malignancies. Opinions differ regarding the role of ultra-radical (extensive) cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the effectiveness and morbidity asso...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007697.pub2
更新日期:2011-04-13 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Vitamin B6 plays vital roles in numerous metabolic processes in the human body, such as nervous system development and functioning. It has been associated with some benefits in non-randomised studies, such as higher Apgar scores, higher birthweights, and reduced incidence of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000179.pub2
更新日期:2006-04-19 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:This review is one in a series of reviews of interventions for lateral elbow pain. Lateral elbow pain, or tennis elbow, is a common condition causing pain in the lateral elbow and forearm and lack of strength and function of the elbow and wrist. Surgery is sometimes recommended in treating chronic cases of l...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003525
更新日期:2002-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Low-back pain (LBP) is a common reason for consulting a general practitioner, and advice on daily activities is an important part of the primary care management of low-back pain. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effects of advice to rest in bed for patients with acute LBP or sciatica. SEARCH STRATEGY:We searched t...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001254.pub3
更新日期:2010-06-16 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:People with Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) may develop progressive and potentially lethal heart conditions. Drugs to eliminate the causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, currently in use have limited therapeutic value and are used in early stages of the disease. Extending the use of these drugs to...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004102.pub2
更新日期:2005-10-19 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Bone is the most common site of metastatic disease associated with breast cancer (BC). Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and novel targeted therapies such as denosumab, inhibit key pathways in the vicious cycle of bone metastases. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effect of bisphosphonates...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003474.pub3
更新日期:2012-02-15 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Guillain-Barré syndrome is a potentially serious, acute, paralysing, probably autoimmune disease caused by inflammation of the peripheral nerves. Recovery has been shown to be speeded by plasma exchange which replaces the patient's own plasma with a plasma substitute. Intravenous immunoglobulin purified from...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002063
更新日期:2001-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:The method of delivering a diagnosis of breast cancer to women has the potential to impact on their level of interpretation, patient recall and satisfaction. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effectiveness of different methods when used to communicate a primary diagnosis of breast cancer to women. SEARCH STRATEGY:W...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006011.pub2
更新日期:2007-07-18 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is one of the most common bedside surgical procedures performed in critically ill adult patients on intensive care units (ICUs) who require long-term ventilation. PDT is generally associated with relevant life-threatening complications (e.g. cuff rupture leading t...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009901.pub2
更新日期:2014-06-30 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Initial resuscitation with air is well tolerated by most infants born at term. However, the optimal fractional inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2 - proportion of the breathed air that is oxygen) targeted to oxygen saturation (SpO2 - an estimate of the amount of oxygen in the blood) for infants born preterm ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010239.pub2
更新日期:2018-05-04 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:People with neurological disease have a much higher risk of both faecal incontinence and constipation than the general population. There is often a fine dividing line between the two conditions, with any management intended to ameliorate, one risking precipitating the other. Bowel problems are observed to be...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002115
更新日期:2001-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:'Scared Straight' and other programmes involve organised visits to prison by juvenile delinquents or children at risk for criminal behavior. programmes are designed to deter participants from future offending through first-hand observation of prison life and interaction with adult inmates. These programmes r...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002796
更新日期:2002-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that is characterised by pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected limb. One in three patients with DVT will develop post-thrombotic sequelae within five years. Rutosides are a group of compounds derived from ho...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005625.pub2
更新日期:2013-04-30 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Health insurance has the potential to improve access to health care and protect people from the financial risks of diseases. However, health insurance coverage is often low, particularly for people most in need of protection, including children and other vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effe...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008194.pub3
更新日期:2014-11-26 00:00:00
abstract:OBJECTIVES:This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of Serenoa repens in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). SEARCH STRATEGY:Trials were searched in computerized general and specialized databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Phytodok), by checking bibliographies, and by contacting man...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001423
更新日期:2000-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Previous systematic reviews have not shown clear benefit of glucocorticoids for acute viral bronchiolitis, but their use remains considerable. Recent large trials add substantially to current evidence and suggest novel glucocorticoid-including treatment approaches. OBJECTIVES:To review the efficacy and safe...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004878.pub3
更新日期:2010-10-06 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common hospital-acquired infection. The major associated cause is indwelling urethral catheters. Several measures have been introduced to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). One of these measures is the introduction of specialised urethral c...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004013.pub4
更新日期:2014-09-23 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) causes ear discharge and impairs hearing. OBJECTIVES:Assess topical antibiotics (excluding steroids) for treating chronically discharging ears with underlying eardrum perforations (CSOM). SEARCH STRATEGY:The Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Regist...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004618.pub2
更新日期:2005-10-19 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF), defined as acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are critical conditions. AHRF results from a number of systemic conditions and is associated with high mortality and morbidity in all ages. Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) has been used ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002787.pub2
更新日期:2010-07-07 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Therapeutic exercise is used as one modality to treat people with osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise of differing intensities on objective and subjective measures of disease activity in people with OA. SEARCH STRATEGY:We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pedro, Cu...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004259
更新日期:2003-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Patients admitted to intensive care and on mechanical ventilation, are administered sedative and analgesic drugs to improve both their comfort and interaction with the ventilator. Optimizing sedation practice may reduce mortality, improve patient comfort and reduce cost. Current practice is to use scales or ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011240.pub2
更新日期:2018-02-21 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:In conventional (standard) laparoscopic cholecystectomy, four abdominal ports (two of 10 mm diameter and two of 5 mm diameter) are used. Recently, use of smaller ports have been reported. OBJECTIVES:To assess the benefits and harms of miniport (defined as ports smaller than conventional ports) laparoscopic ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006804.pub2
更新日期:2010-03-17 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Adhesions are fibrin bands that are a common consequence of gynaecological surgery. They are caused by various conditions including pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis. Adhesions are associated with considerable co-morbidity, including pelvic pain, subfertility and small bowel obstruction. Patients...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001298.pub4
更新日期:2014-07-09 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Depressive disorders are the most common psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy, affecting around one-third, with a significant negative impact on quality of life. There is concern that patients may not be receiving appropriate treatment for their depression because of uncertainty regarding which ...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010682.pub2
更新日期:2014-12-03 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:A particularly difficult challenge for community treatment of people with serious mental illnesses is the delivery of an acceptable level of care during the acute phases of severe mental illness. Crisis-intervention models of care were developed as a possible solution. OBJECTIVES:To review the effects of cr...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001087.pub5
更新日期:2015-12-03 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Epithelial ovarian cancer accounts for about 90% of all cases of ovarian cancer. Debulking surgery and six courses of platinum-based chemotherapy results in complete clinical remission (CCR) in up to 75% of cases. However, 75% of the responders will relapse within a median time of 18 to 28 months and only 20...
journal_title:The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
pub_type: 杂志文章,meta分析,评审
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007414.pub2
更新日期:2010-09-08 00:00:00