Cambridge Festival of Ideas – October 19th 2016
Cambridge Festival of Ideas – October 19th 2016
Led by: Dr Mehrunisha Suleman, Research Associate, Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge
http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk/events/entrusting-life-muslim-perspective
The Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge, presented a thought-provoking discussion on end of life care within the National Health Service and the need for researching views and perspectives from minority groups.
It introduced a new piece of research having been conducted by the Centre and explored recent concerns about there having been little research and outreach carried out to understand the perspectives, needs and concerns of minority groups in the UK, particularly Muslims on issues related to healthcare. The Centre is currently undertaking research to capture the viewpoints of health professionals, patients, families, carers and traditional scholars to develop a better understanding of what the needs are in terms of end of life decision making from a Muslim perspective.
The informal discussion provided a summary of themes that have been covered in the research including Muslim perspectives on, the value of human life, death and dying, illness and suffering, the withholding and withdrawing of medical treatment, euthanasia and the role of spiritual/religious leaders in end of life care. It has also been an opportunity for the audience to discuss their views and experiences on end of life care and to stimulate a dialogue about this piece of research. This event welcomed the local community, professionals and anyone who was interested in understanding better the challenges faced by the health service in meeting the health needs of minority groups and to initiate the potential opportunity for members of the audience to become involved in this piece of research.