Exploring religiosity's impact on end-of-life care: A call for nursing inquiry

Abstract

End-of-life care (EOLC) remains a pivotal aspect of nursing practice, yet its delivery often varies due to numerous influencing factors. Religiosity emerges as a significant but understudied determinant affecting EOLC provision. Religiosity is an all-encompassing term defining a person’s public or private involvement in religious groups or activities. This opinion piece delves into the nexus between religiosity and nursing practice, emphasizing the need for empirical inquiry to elucidate its role in shaping care dynamics. Drawing upon existing literature, it describes religiosity's multifaceted influence on nursing behaviours and decision-making in EOLC settings. The piece advocates for research efforts aimed at understanding its impact on care quality and equity. By fostering a deeper comprehension of how religiosity interacts with nursing practice, healthcare systems can strive towards delivering more personalized, equitable, and dignified EOLC experiences for patients and families.