Islamic culture and faith in end-of-life decision making for children.

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The Role of Islamic culture and faith in end-of-life (EOL) decision making for children, parents and healthcare providers in paediatric palliative care (PPC)

• IRAS ID

  263974

• Contact name

  Tracey Maegusuku-Hewett

• Contact email

  t.maegusuku-hewett@swansea.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Research Engagement and Innovation Services, Swansea University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  This research aims to undertake a Doctoral study to interrogate the role of faith and culture in paediatric palliative care, specifically for Muslim families of children with life-threatening conditions. In particular, it will look at how the Muslim faith and culture shape their understanding of palliative care, parental responsibilities, and decision making regarding end of life. The study will also look at factors that facilitate (and hinder) provision of paediatric palliative and end of life care to Muslims.

  Objectives of the study:
  • To explore the extent to which faith and culture influence decision making for Muslim parents of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
  • To explore the extent to which faith and culture influence decision making for Muslim children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
  • The examine whether faith/culture can serve as a coping mechanism for children and in shaping their understanding of their condition
  • To explore the challenges for healthcare providers’ understanding of their patients’ Islamic culture and faith teachings in regard to paediatric palliative care and end-of-life care.
  • To explore the institutional factors that facilitate or hinder the inclusion of the Islamic faith and culture

  This study will contribute insights on health policy design and implementation of programs and support services that are better suited to paediatric palliative care and their families from a cultural and faith-based perspective.
  It draws on the understanding of ways children use faith/culture as a coping mechanism to improve their quality of life with their diagnosis and in shaping the child’s understanding of their condition.

• REC name

  Wales REC 7

• REC reference

  19/WA/0313

• Date of REC Opinion

  29 Nov 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion