Table 5 How religion and spirituality influenced major decisions. Description of R&S influence is summarized from parent reports, unless otherwise stated. Themes are underlined
Major Decision | Cases Represented | Description of R&S Influence |
|---|---|---|
Locus of Care | 4 | - Prayed about choosing a hospital. - Received signs or heard God’s voice indicating a certain hospital. - Blessings and signs confirmed these decisions. - Expected to see miracles at certain hospitals. - Required faith and trust in God to relocate during treatment for a higher level of care, or to transfer to a local hospital with a lower level of care. - Knew God would be with them wherever they went, and would provide. |
Treatment Initiation | 4 | - Prayed about initiating or choosing a treatment plan. - Delayed initiation while praying and waiting for peace from God. - Able to initiate high-risk treatment because God would be present. |
Life-Sustaining Therapy (Continue vs. Withdraw) | 8 | - Continued therapy, maintaining hope and faith in God, or because it should be God’s decision. - Clergy prohibited removal of endotracheal tube (per HCP). - Withdrew therapy, reassured that God was in control, there is life after death, and the child is no longer suffering. |