Disclosure Practices in Muslim Patients and the Impact on End-of-Life Care: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Context: Non-disclosure practices hold significant weight in end-of-life care for Muslim communities, where cultural and religious beliefs are deeply intertwined with healthcare decision-making. This narrative review explores the complexities of medical decision-making and disclosure practices among terminally ill Muslim patients, examining how these factors shape palliative care delivery. Objectives: The primary objective of this review is to investigate the impact of non-disclosure practices on end-of-life care in Muslim populations, focusing on key themes that influence medical decision-making. Additionally, the review identifies ways in which Healthcare Provider (HCP) can navigate these culturally sensitive issues to enhance care. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, utilizing articles from CINHAL, PsychINFO, Scopus, and PubMed databases published between 2009 and 2024. An initial search yielded 2025 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were included for analysis. The SANRA guidelines for narrative reviews were followed, and the SPIDER framework was used for qualitative synthesis. Results: Of the 2041 articles initially retrieved, 2014 were excluded after screening, 8 were duplicates, and 7 full texts were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The final review included 12 studies. Three key themes emerged: (1) cultural, religious, and emotional factors driving requests for non-disclosure, (2) the prominent role of family in medical decision-making, and (3) healthcare provider communication challenges contributing to disparities in palliative care access. Conclusion: Non-disclosure practices present significant barriers to effective palliative care in Muslim communities. To improve care outcomes, culturally competent communication strategies and family-centered decision-making models are crucial.