Speak to dying patients about spiritual beliefs

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published new guidance encouraging healthcare staff to discuss religious or spiritual beliefs with patients in their final days.

Being aware of a patient’s religious belief is important in providing the care they desire, with the most obvious example being that someone who is Catholic may wish to receive the last prayers and ministrations before they pass away.

The 2016 End of Life Care Audit reports that nearly half of all deaths in England occurred in hospital, yet spiritual wishes were only documented for one in seven people who were able to communicate their desires.

Sam Ahmedzai, emeritus professor of palliative medicine, said: “Control of pain and other distressing symptoms is very important for dying people, but good end of life care goes far beyond that. It includes asking about the dying person’s spiritual, cultural, religious and social preferences. Only by attending to these issues and concerns can we deliver truly individualised care for each person and those important to them.”

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive of NICE, added: “We know the vast majority of people in this country receive very good care at the end of life, but this isn’t always the case. Our guidance will support doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals so that they can work together to ensure that people die with dignity, whenever possible in the place of their choosing and with their symptoms effectively controlled.”