Religious beliefs at end-of-life: implications for palliative care providers—a narrative review

Due to the importance of religion for 70% of adults in the United States, the prevalence of religious beliefs, and the impact of religious beliefs on health behaviors and health outcomes, palliative care teams must pay attention to the religious dimension of the lives of patients at end-of-life (EOL). We will review the content of some religious beliefs associated with EOL as well as the impact religious beliefs may have on EOL medical care and decision-making. We will also discuss potential pathways for palliative care teams to address the religious beliefs of patients and their loved ones at EOL which promote culturally sensitive and patient-centered care.