Perception of death and preference for end-of-life care among Asian Buddhists living in Montreal, Canada

Abstract

Dying with dignity is important in Western culture. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how Asian Buddhists, exposed to Western cultures, perceive death and dying with dignity, and examine their preferences for end-of-life care. We interviewed 15 Asian Buddhists living in Montreal (Canada). Participants regarded death as inevitable, while a good/dignified death had to be natural, peaceful, and, most of all, conscious. Most preferred palliative care to medical-aid-in-dying and emphasized death preparation through daily contemplation of impermanence. Care providers’ understanding and respect of Buddhist patients’ perception of a dignified death might help facilitate this important transition.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the participants of this study for their availability and openness, and the Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End-of-Life Practices (CRISE) for the financial support.

Disclosure statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest in publishing this article.