The work progresses methodically through four key sections, beginning with the medical aspects of terminal illness and pain management, then exploring diverse cultural approaches to death across Eastern and Western traditions. It tackles challenging ethical dilemmas in end-of-life decision-making, such as assisted dying and life-support withdrawal, before concluding with practical frameworks for healthcare providers. One particularly valuable insight is how the integration of medical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and ethical awareness leads to improved outcomes for patients and families facing terminal illness.
Written in an accessible yet scholarly style, the book serves as an essential resource for healthcare professionals, social workers, and students in medical and social sciences. It provides practical guidance on advance care planning and developing cultural competency in end-of-life care, while addressing contemporary challenges such as resource allocation and the role of technology in extending life. The interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from healthcare professionals, anthropologists, and bioethicists, offers readers a holistic understanding of how different societies approach mortality and its impact on modern medical practices.