Moments of deep connection between clinicians and patients in oncology: a mixed-methods study of sacred moments

Purpose Sacred moments are periods of deep connection between clinicians and patients, associated with increased clinician career fulfillment and stronger therapeutic alliances in radiation oncology and internal medicine. Our study is the first to investigate sacred moments in medical oncology. Methods We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with clinicians and patients at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive coding. Participants completed a closed-ended (Likert-style) questionnaire that assessed demographics, and the frequency and impact of sacred moments. Results Participants included 24 clinicians and 10 patients. All participants reported having experienced a sacred moment. All clinicians agreed that when they experienced a sacred moment, they felt professionally fulfilled (100%), connected to their patient (100%), and were reminded why they went into oncology (100%). Patients felt connected to their oncologist (88%), had trust in (100%) and felt cared for (100%) by their oncology team. Three primary themes emerged from qualitative interviews: (1) Sacred moment catalysts, (2) Impacts, and (3) Cultivation strategies. Key catalysts included pivotal clinical junctures (such as initial cancer diagnosis and end of life), clinician preparedness and expertise, and longitudinal care relationships. Sacred moments enhanced career fulfillment among clinicians, promoted goal-aligned clinical care decisions, and strengthened patients' sense of being cared for as a whole person. Cultivation strategies centered on efforts to learn about patients beyond their cancer diagnosis, values-based clinical training and mentorship, and workplace culture. Conclusion Experiencing sacred moments provides oncology clinicians with professional fulfillment and reinvigorates engagement. For patients, these moments build trust and foster goal-aligned care.