Discussions about spirituality and religious beliefs may induce anxiety in healthcare professionals managing day-to-day care, especially around the end of life. Lack of familiarity and understanding of how different religions impact decision-making around limitations of treatment are also frequent in critical care.

This symposium hosted by the Legal and Ethical Group of the Intensive Care Society explores the main faiths in the UK and will allow healthcare professionals to pause and reflect on delivering effective and culturally competent care and communication.

10:00 – 10:30 Registration and coffee

10:30 – 10:40 Introduction of the day

10:45 – 11:00 Setting the scene

11:05 – 12:45 View of different religions on:

Death and dying (the value of life)
Autonomy, the meaning of quality of life, suffering in ICU

(The panel will include faith representatives in the UK)

12:45 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 15:00 Practical approach (round table)

Limitation of life-sustaining treatment (including: withholding and withdrawing therapies, artificial nutrition and hydration, analgesic medications)
After death (rituals, care of the body, medical examiner/coroner referral)
Organ donation

15:00 – 15:15 Coffee/ Tea

15:15 – 15:45 Religion and best interests

15:45 – 16:45 Practical tips for culturally sensitive communication

16:45 – 17:00 Close

Key legal and ethical topics (LEAG)