Abstract
Background. Despite the international recognition of spirituality as a core component of holistic and palliative care, it remains a significantly overlooked intervention in health system policymaking and routine clinical practice. Drawing on recent bibliometric evidence and qualitative research, this editorial examines the necessity of systematically integrating spiritual therapy into healthcare protocols and highlights Iran's strategic position in this evolving field.
Results. Analysis of 3,152 Scopus-indexed documents (2012–2024) identifies global health crises, particularly COVID-19, as catalysts that have propelled spirituality into the scientific discourse. However, a substantial gap exists between theory and practice due to barriers such as lack of professional training, conceptual ambiguity, heavy workloads, and inadequate organizational support. Notably, bibliometric data identifies Iran as a leading global contributor to spiritual health research, particularly during the pandemic, reflecting strong cultural, religious, and clinical foundations for integrating spirituality into disease prevention and care.
Conclusion. Transitioning spirituality from an optional practice to an evidence-based element of routine care requires systemic interventions. This includes integrating spiritual care competencies into medical and nursing curricula, developing clear clinical guidelines, and implementing "social prescribing" models. Given its high scientific productivity and cultural heritage, Iran is uniquely positioned to emerge as a regional and global hub for spiritual therapy leadership. Strategic investment in international collaborations and the inclusion of spiritual care in national health policies are essential to foster more resilient, holistic, and humanistic health systems for future challenges.