PP-19 Ethnic minority faith perspectives on end-of-life conversations and preference recording: a community-based participatory research project in birmingham

Introduction There is considerable inequity in access to, and experiences of, end-of-life care globally. Cultural influences can Impact on death literacy. This pilot study directly responds to recent findings about healthcare disparities in ethnic minority communities and recommendations for enhanced death literacy. Aims To co-produce knowledge about culturally appropriate approaches to discussing death and dying within ethnically diverse faith communities; identify cultural and faith-specific barriers and facilitators to end-of-life conversations and preference recording; develop preliminary recommendations for culturally sensitive approaches to enhancing death literacy. Methods Community-based participatory research involving a Community Advisory Group, 2 focus groups (involving a total of n=9 participants), supported by multi-professional collaborator experts. Focus group participants represented a range of ethnically diverse faith communities including Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism and included faith leaders, community workers, community members. Results Three themes were identified: Similarities and differences between ethnically diverse faith communities in terms of important end-of-life rituals and traditions: Sacred books, prayers; holy water and correct placement of a body both before and after death Challenges in honouring cultural and religious practices at end-of-life care in healthcare settings included hospital wards being too noisy; the need for a private space in hospitals during a loved one’s death and early grief. Religious, cultural customs, rituals and practices that help facilitate discussions about end-of-life wishes and care preferences. Talking about death and dying is still a taboo within ethnic minority faith communities – as in wider society. Conclusion A series of co-developed recommendations included faith leaders inviting healthcare workers into their communities and healthcare settings inviting community members to educate staff about religious death rituals and practices. Impact An understanding of how best to inform and enhance death literacy amongst communities and health-care professionals will reduce the broader inequities observed in end-of-life care.