From the Guidelines
False. The question incorrectly assumes that religious beliefs inherently prevent rational decision-making in end-of-life care. Parents with religious beliefs can still make thoughtful, rational decisions for their children's medical care while incorporating their faith perspective.
Key Points to Consider
- Religious values are one of many factors that influence medical decision-making, alongside medical information, ethical considerations, and family dynamics.
- Without specific details about Maryam's case, it would be inappropriate to characterize her parents' decision-making process as irrational simply because religious beliefs are involved.
- Many religious parents carefully weigh medical evidence alongside their spiritual values when making difficult healthcare decisions for their children.
- The healthcare team should respect the family's religious framework while ensuring they have complete information about treatment options and prognosis to support informed decision-making, as supported by guidelines for family-centered care in the ICU 1.
- Supporting religious and spiritual needs is a primary issue of quality palliative care, and patients who receive spiritual support report higher quality of life and more hospice care 1.
- Early discussion of goals of care and prognosis with patients and families is recommended, and incorporating palliative care principles into treatment planning can improve patient outcomes 1.
From the Research
End-of-Life Care Decisions
- The provided studies do not directly address the impact of religious beliefs on end-of-life care decisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies suggest that palliative care can improve patient and family outcomes and reduce the costs of care 2, 3.
- They also emphasize the importance of advance care planning, setting goals of care, and addressing psychosocial concerns in end-of-life care 5, 6.
- The principles of clinical ethics, including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, can guide end-of-life care decisions 5.
- Ultimately, the decision-making process for end-of-life care should involve careful consideration of the patient's values, preferences, and best interests, as well as the family's and healthcare providers' perspectives 5, 6.
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care
- Palliative care can reduce intensive care use and high-intensity end-of-life care 2.
- Specialist palliative care may be beneficial for patients with dementia, and referral criteria have been established 4.
- Palliative care should be integrated into the care of patients with neurodegenerative illnesses, including dementia, parkinsonism, and motor neuron disease 6.
- A palliative approach to care can improve quality of life and reduce suffering for patients and their families 6.
Decision-Making Process
- The decision-making process for end-of-life care should be guided by the principles of clinical ethics 5.
- Advance care planning and setting goals of care are essential components of end-of-life care 5, 6.
- Healthcare providers should work with patients and their families to establish a care plan that respects the patient's autonomy and promotes their best interests 5, 6.