Madeline Leong1, Sage Olnick2, Tahara Akmal2, Amanda Copenhaver3, Rab Razzak4. 1. Program in Palliative Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Electronic address: mkunsbe1@jhmi.edu. 2. Department of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 3. USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA. 4. Program in Palliative Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Abstract
CONTEXT: According to the Joint Commission, cultural competency is a core skill required for end-of-life care. Religious and cultural beliefs predominantly influence patients' lives, especially during the dying process. Therefore, palliative care clinicians should have at least a basic understanding of major world religions. Islam is a major world religion with 1.7 billion followers. At our institution, a needs assessment showed a lack of knowledge with Islamic teachings regarding end-of-life care. OBJECTIVES: To improve knowledge of clinically relevant Islamic teachings regarding end-of-life care. METHODS: After consultation with a Muslim chaplain, we identified key topics and created a 10-question pretest. The pretest was administered, followed by a one-hour educational intervention with a Muslim chaplain. Next, a post-test (identical to the pretest) was administered. RESULTS: Eleven palliative care clinicians participated in this study. The average score on the pretest was 6.0 ± 1.2 (mean + SD) (maximum 10). After the educational intervention, the average score improved to 9.6 ± 0.7 (95% CI 2.7-4.4; P < 0.001). Qualitative feedback was positive as participants reported a better understanding of how Islam influences patients' end-of-life decisions. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, a one-hour educational intervention improved knowledge of Islamic teachings regarding end-of-life care. We present a framework for this intervention, which can be easily replicated. We also provide key teaching points on Islam and end-of-life care. Additional research is necessary to determine the clinical effects of this intervention over time and in practice. In the future, we plan to expand the educational material to include other world religions.
CONTEXT: According to the Joint Commission, cultural competency is a core skill required for end-of-life care. Religious and cultural beliefs predominantly influence patients' lives, especially during the dying process. Therefore, palliative care clinicians should have at least a basic understanding of major world religions. Islam is a major world religion with 1.7 billion followers. At our institution, a needs assessment showed a lack of knowledge with Islamic teachings regarding end-of-life care. OBJECTIVES: To improve knowledge of clinically relevant Islamic teachings regarding end-of-life care. METHODS: After consultation with a Muslim chaplain, we identified key topics and created a 10-question pretest. The pretest was administered, followed by a one-hour educational intervention with a Muslim chaplain. Next, a post-test (identical to the pretest) was administered. RESULTS: Eleven palliative care clinicians participated in this study. The average score on the pretest was 6.0 ± 1.2 (mean + SD) (maximum 10). After the educational intervention, the average score improved to 9.6 ± 0.7 (95% CI 2.7-4.4; P < 0.001). Qualitative feedback was positive as participants reported a better understanding of how Islam influences patients' end-of-life decisions. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, a one-hour educational intervention improved knowledge of Islamic teachings regarding end-of-life care. We present a framework for this intervention, which can be easily replicated. We also provide key teaching points on Islam and end-of-life care. Additional research is necessary to determine the clinical effects of this intervention over time and in practice. In the future, we plan to expand the educational material to include other world religions.
Authors: Hanif Abdul Rahman; Amin Abdul Aziz; Muhamad Adib Ibrahim; Noor-Arpah Suhaili; Ahmad Zahid Daud; Lin Naing Journal: J Relig Health Date: 2021-01-02
Authors: George Muishout; Nuray Topcu; Anne de la Croix; Gerard Wiegers; Hanneke Wm van Laarhoven Journal: Palliat Med Date: 2022-06 Impact factor: 5.713