End of life care is framework to allow for a peaceful,
comfortable and dignified death while considering the
patients’ personal and religious values, bioethics and
knowledge of the disease process. A well planned end of life
pathway should allow for the flexibility to shift from an active
(or aggressive) treatment approach to one of comfort and
care when initial interventions have failed. The need for this
pathway is most apparent in the intensive care setting.
Implementation of a pathway will face various challenges
due to religious and cultural beliefs, education of healthcare
providers to carry out difficult discussions and larger
socioeconomic implications. Clear medico-legal framework
will be required to support this pathway. In conclusion, an
end of life pathway tailored to our local needs is the way
forward in allowing for dignified death of terminally ill
patients; this will require the active participation of medical
societies, religious leaders, healthcare providers, patients
and their care givers.