Nursing the Dying Muslim Patient

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Muslim beliefs and rituals surrounding death and dying. It specifically looks at these issues in regards to nursing care and the accommodations that nurses need to make for their Muslim patients and their families. Finally, the paper looks at changes in hospital policies and social and political policies with regard to Muslim patients who are dying.

Table of Contents:
Implications for Nursing Practice
Areas for Further Nursing Inquiry
Changes in Hospital and Hospice Policy
Social and Political Policies
Relevant Implications for Changes in Policy

From the Paper:

"Privacy is a major issue for Muslims, as washing is required prior to the five times of daily praying. Nurses should be aware of festivals and holy days and acknowledge them to the patient (Sarhill, et al., 2001). All nurses must have knowledge of Muslim beliefs, which will enhance communication and improve health care as well as reduce the possibility of conflict. There are certain highly sensitive aspects of death and dying so that great cultural sensitivity is required on the part of nurses. The time and tasks which are most susceptible to conflict that can easily result in grave family distress and conflict involve the care of the body after death."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sachedina, A. (2005). End of life: The Islamic view. The Lancet, 366, 774-779.
• Sarhill, N., S. LeGrand, R.Islambouli, M. Davis & Walsh D. (2001). The terminally ill Muslim: Death and dying from the Muslim perspective. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 18 (4), 251-255.
• Yasien-Esmael, H. & Shimshon Rubin, S. (2005). The meaning structures of Muslim bereavements in Israel: Religious traditions, mourning practices, and human experience. Death Studies, 29, 495-518.

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