St. Joseph’s is the first Canadian hospital to join the global Sacred Moments Initiative

London, Ont. — In health care, it is often the smallest moments that carry the greatest meaning — a quiet conversation with a patient, a shared reflection with colleagues, or a hand held in silence. These brief yet powerful connections remind health care workers why they chose the profession.

Inspired by the impact of these moments, St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) is the first Canadian hospital to partner with the Sacred Moments Initiative — a research-driven movement launched by the University of Michigan — aimed at addressing burnout and strengthening staff and patient well-being.

The new partnership is further marked by the recent St. Joseph’s-led publication titled ‘Sacred Moments in Healthcare: An Evidence-Based Conceptual Model’  published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, helping bring international attention to this innovative approach of caring for the whole person, body, mind and spirit.  

St. Joseph’s psychologist Dr. Serena Wong first authored the report which found that these moments can improve well-being, greater meaning at work and emotional health for both clinicians and patients. The research encourages practices such as reflection rounds, partnerships with spiritual care and sharing these moments with colleagues to bolster well-being.  

“These small, deeply connecting experiences have a profound impact that serve as a reminder of the spiritual and existential dimensions of care that many clinicians value, but become quickly lost in the demands of the hospital setting,” says Wong.  

The Sacred Moments Initiative focuses on recognizing and nurturing “sacred moments,” defined as short, memorable experiences of deep connection, awe, or when time seems to stand still.  

“Many health care workers describe their profession as a calling, but the pressures of these careers often take a toll physically, emotionally and spiritually,” Wong says. “Research suggests sacred moments can help alleviate stress and burnout by reminding us why we became doctors, nurses, social workers and caregivers in the first place. Especially when facing system-level challenges, it takes support from leaders and peers to reconnect with that sense of purpose.”

Research also shows that spirituality can be a powerful force connecting people with what matters most.  Sacred moments – reported in settings such as radiation oncology, outpatient psychotherapy, hospital stays and palliative care – are often described as ‘time stands still’ experiences that bring people fully into the present and acknowledge that time is sacred.

Sacred moments also support patient experience. With burnout rates high across the health system, patients may at times encounter depersonalized care, which can undermine trust. Creating space for sacred moments can help safeguard against these challenges, increase satisfaction with care and strengthen therapeutic relationships.

“Being the first Canadian hospital means we are choosing to be innovative leaders in nourishing spiritual health — and leading with compassion to build a culture where staff feel supported, seen and connected to our purpose,” says Dale Nikkel, Manager of Spiritual Care. “It reflects St. Joseph’s commitment to caring for the whole person — body, mind and, especially in this case, the spirit.”

Wong has also seen firsthand how moments of awe and deep connection in therapy can transform patients — fostering healing, hope and resilience. While not a cure-all for burnout, Wong says sacred moments invite heart and soul back into health care by emphasizing care for the body, mind and spirit.