Managing end-of-life care in Malaysia: The economic considerations from the ethical and Islamic perspectives

Alias, Fadhlina and Jahn Kassim, Puteri Nemie and Mohamad Hussain, Mazlena (2019) Managing end-of-life care in Malaysia: The economic considerations from the ethical and Islamic perspectives. Al-Shajarah: Journal of The International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), 24 (1). pp. 131-157. ISSN 1394-6870

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF (Scopus) - Supplemental Material Download (205kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (wos) - Supplemental Material Download (377kB) | Preview

Abstract

Since the turn of the 20th century, the increase in the degree of medical prevalence particularly at the end of life, has redefined the dimensions between life and death. Medical treatment and equipment are now able to prolong the life expectancy of patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses even in the absence of any brain activity. This has impacted upon the delivery of end-of-life care, which focuses on providing a comfortable environment for patients who are suffering from incurable diseases and for whom death is imminent. The emergence of sophisticated medical devices and interventions has raised ethical issues relating to end-of-life decisions especially in withholding or withdrawing life sustaining treatments. In such a situation, economic considerations constitute an important factor in the provision of end-of-life care due to the costly and limited resources which are required for providing such life-sustaining treatment. Healthcare providers need to grapple with issues justifying resource allocation amongst patients, which are in turn contingent upon deliberations on medical futility. This paper seeks to discuss the economic considerations involved in the management of end-of-life care from the ethical and Islamic standpoints and ultimately, to provide recommendations for the promotion of a comprehensive national policy that is suitable and viable for the Malaysian healthcare environment.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	1830/73050
Uncontrolled Keywords:	distributive justice, economic, end-of-life care, medical ethics, medical futility and Islamic law
Subjects:	K Law > KPG Malaysia
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws
Depositing User:	Professor Dr Puteri Nemie Jahn Kassim
Date Deposited:	11 Jul 2019 10:30
Last Modified:	03 Apr 2020 11:48
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/73050

Actions (login required)

View Item