Religious beliefs at end-of-life: implications for palliative care providers-a narrative review

Due to the importance of religion for 70% of adults in the United States, the prevalence of religious beliefs, and the impact of religious beliefs on health behaviors and health outcomes, palliative care teams must pay attention to the religious dimension of the lives of patients at end-of-life (EOL). We will review the content of some religious beliefs associated with EOL as well as the impact religious beliefs may have on EOL medical care and decision-making. We will also discuss potential pathways for palliative care teams to address the religious beliefs of patients and their loved ones at EOL which promote culturally sensitive and patient-centered care.

This is a narrative review. We carried out an electronic PubMed search from 2010 to 2025 utilizing the subsequent words: religious beliefs; end-of-life; palliative care; adult 19+ years. We also integrated a hypothetical case study as well as the experience and proficiency of the authors.

Many adult patients at EOL hold religious beliefs which can be facilitated through religious behaviors and belonging. The religious beliefs of patients at EOL have a strong potential to impact their medical care decision-making and outcomes as well as their quality of life. Yet, treatment teams insufficiently address the religious beliefs of patients at EOL.

Religious beliefs are often present and can impact EOL medical care. Best practice dictates that an interdisciplinary palliative care team approach should address the religious beliefs and values of patients at EOL through a generalist and specialist spiritual care model. When palliative care teams are willing to engage the religious beliefs and values of patients at EOL, this has the potential to help patients find acceptance and peace in the dying process.