End-of-Life Care in Muslim Brain-Dead Patients: A 10-Year Experience. (August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khalid, Imran; Hamad, Wasfy J.; Khalid, Tabindeh J.; Kadri, Mazen; Qushmaq, Ismael
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 30:Number 5(2013)
• Page Start: 413
• Page End: 418
• Publication Date: 2013-08
• Subjects: brain death -- muslim -- end of life -- terminal withdrawal -- palliative -- organ donation; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909112452625
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Background: In Muslim countries, end-of-life practices in Muslim brain-dead patients are unknown. We conducted this study to evaluate this issue. Results: We identified 42 brain-dead patients between 2001 and 2011. The expectant terminal extubation occurred only in 5. Largely due to family opposition, 2 patients remained "full code, " and rests were "do not attempt resuscitation" with varying usage of "life-sustaining" therapies. Only 2 out of 24 eligible patients donated organs. There was minimal involvement of social worker, palliative team, or Muslim chaplain in the end-of-life discussions. Conclusion: In Muslim patients, the concept of terminal withdrawal and organ donation after brain death is still not well accepted. Future multicenter studies, involving palliative teams, should focus on improving these issues.