Submitted by James Cantwell on Tue, 24/02/2026 - 16:03
A new study led by Joodi Mourhli, Research Assistant at the University of Cambridge Primary Care Unit, explores Muslim patients’ perspectives and preferences around end‑of‑life symptom management. The findings aim to inform both clinical practice and future research priorities.
The research, published in BMJ Open, highlights the importance of initiating conversations early to understand patients’ needs and preferences. It also shows that close alignment between religious, cultural and clinical considerations is highly valued by many Muslim patients when managing symptoms at the end of life.
The study also identifies the essential role of family within Muslim end‑of‑life care and emphasises the need to actively involve relatives as partners in care planning.
Discussing the study, Joodi Mourhli said:
“End-of-life symptom management for Muslim patients is not just clinical, but also deeply shaped by cultural and religious values, with family involvement being a key priority.”
“Meaningful collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, and families is essential to achieving end-of-life symptom management that is both clinically effective and culturally and religiously sensitive.”
The research offers practical guidance for clinicians seeking to deliver sensitive, person‑centred end‑of‑life care. It also demonstrates how co-designing research with communities can deepen understanding of care priorities within diverse Muslim populations.