Buddhism’s impact on end-of-life care in Australia
Dr. Hannah Gould and Dr. David Marco, from the University of Melbourne, collaborated with Dr. Anna Halafof of Deakin University and Deb Rawlings of Flinders University for a comprehensive study on Buddhism’s role in end-of-life care for Australians.
Their research investigated how Buddhist principles, including mindfulness and compassion training, influence decisions surrounding dying.
According to Dr. Gould and Dr. Halafof, Buddhism has become integral to both living and dying well in Australia’s wellness industry.
The Dying ‘Buddhish’ in Australia project aimed to fill the gap in understanding the extent of Buddhist influence in end-of-life care.
Completed in November 2023, the project revealed over 40 service providers incorporating Buddhist-inspired elements like mindfulness practices and discussions on the post-death intermediate state.
Additionally, it identified nearly 50 practitioners integrating Buddhist practices into their work at hospitals, hospices, and funeral homes.
The findings mark a significant step toward comprehending Buddhism’s impact on end-of-life care in Australia.
References
- Dying ‘Buddhish’ in Australia - Investigating the role of Buddhist contemplative practices in end-of-life and death care
- Scholars Explore “Buddhish” Dying in Australia
