Conducted in partnership with Marie Curie, The Muslim Council of Britain, University College London (UCL) and the University of Leeds, this research investigates the continuing inequities faced by British Muslims when accessing palliative and end of life care, which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Watch: Muslim Voices: Inequities in access to palliative and end of life care (English subtitles)Watch: Muslim Voices: Inequities in access to palliative and end of life care (English subtitles)
Please note that the following film contains descriptions of challenging real life experiences which some viewers may find upsetting.
Challenges accessing support
This report describes how this group of British Muslims with a life-limiting illness, and their families, experienced delays and challenges in accessing health and social care support and treatment.
Families described feelings of increased responsibility, isolation and anxiety while people with a life-limiting illness felt unsure about how to access information, services or support for their care needs.
Cultural insensitivity
Challenges can include limited training of healthcare professionals regarding faith and cultural values and their implications on care plans.
The families that we spoke to felt that the cultural needs of British Muslims had not been considered in the development of Covid-19 guidance or its implementation.
A postcode lottery
Variation was clear in the level and availability of support from both local councils, community and faith groups.
Where it worked well, it was delivered in partnership with community and faith groups, but many worried about other vulnerable and older people with limited family support.
Although there is recognition of the active role British Muslim families play in supporting loved ones, it must not be assumed that they should take on those roles alone and unsupported.
Key themes and recommendations
- Providing culturally appropriate services
- Supporting family and carers of British Muslims with palliative care needs
- Tackling health exclusion through early involvement
- Improving access to information on services and support
Parliamentary launch event
We were delighted to launch this research at a Parliamentary event on 28 February 2023 which brought together MPs, researchers, practitioners and representatives from other charities. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
Left to right Afzal Khan (MP), Karon Ornadel (Marie Curie), Zara Mohammed (Muslim Council of Britain), Briony Hudson (Marie Curie), Miqdad Asaria (London School of Economics and Political Science), Ruth Driscoll (Marie Curie)
