Site structure

Coverage Map

Values in Care aims to cover the values that shape care at every stage of life. Today its deepest, most verified content is serious illness and end of life. This page shows what exists, what is underway, and what is planned.

See how each item gets added in Methodology, review known gaps in Limitations, and inspect every published claim in the evidence index.

Evidence depth is shown as separate inventory facets rather than a composite maturity score. Missing citation inventories stay visibly missing instead of being converted into a low numeric score.

Covered

Do Not Resuscitate / Withdrawal of Life Support

Covered

End of life

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Not recorded here
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

Explore this topic →

Artificial Nutrition & Hydration

Covered

End of life

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Not recorded here
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

Explore this topic →

Palliative Sedation

Covered

End of life

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Not recorded here
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

Explore this topic →

Hospice Care

Covered

End of life

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Not recorded here
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

Explore this topic →

In development

Fasting & Medication (e.g., Ramadan, Yom Kippur)

In development

Chronic illness

Verified evidence so far (5 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped: IDF-DAR fasting guidelines (2017/2021), the 13-country EPIDIAR hypoglycemia study, Ramadan T2D treatment options, and IDF-DAR risk-tool validation. Tradition-authority rulings are drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 5
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Blood Products & Transfusion

In development

Hospital care

Verified evidence so far (5 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped: patient blood management meta-analysis, Cleveland Clinic outcomes in Jehovah’s Witness cardiac-surgery patients, Cochrane cell salvage, and EPO/IV-iron blood-conservation evidence. Tradition-authority sources are drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 5
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Truth-Telling, Disclosure & Decision-Making Styles

In development

Serious illness

Verified evidence so far (2 citations)

Evidence lives in the care-frameworks layer: documented ethnicity-level variation in disclosure and decision-making preferences (Blackhall 1995) and the three culturally varying EOL dimensions (Searight 2005). Deliberately kept culture-level: per-tradition rows require tradition-authority sources.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 2
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Dietary Law in Inpatient Care

In development

Hospital care

Verified evidence so far (10 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped, focused on the under-recognized medication-excipient problem: >1,000 drugs contain animal-derived gelatin, heparin is porcine, source is often unidentifiable from labeling, most patients want disclosure and alternatives (e.g., fondaparinux), and hospital food provision tracks with satisfaction. Tradition-authority rulings on necessity/permissibility are drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 10
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Modesty, Gender-Concordant Care & Chaperones

In development

Hospital care

Verified evidence so far (8 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped, and it is deliberately balanced: gender concordance is generally linked to better communication and trust (especially for women on sensitive issues), yet does NOT reliably improve hard outcomes and most patients prioritize competence over concordance. Modesty is a documented barrier to cervical screening for observant women (female clinicians / self-sampling help), and offering chaperones for intimate exams, while respecting the right to decline, is the well-supported norm across patients including gender-diverse populations. Tradition-authority guidance (Islam, Orthodox Judaism) is drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 8
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Organ Donation → Transplant Receiving

In development

Serious illness

Verified evidence so far (7 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped, extending the existing donation content to the recipient side: neighborhood segregation predicts unequal access to living-donor liver transplant; living kidney donation carries real but selective donor risk; public acceptance of xenotransplantation (pig organs) is significantly lower when patients perceive religious conflict, and a 916-person survey of Jewish patients found religious-ruling knowledge (not blanket prohibition) shapes attitudes; willingness to receive tissue allografts tracks with religious affiliation; eHealth adherence support for lifelong immunosuppression shows a positive RCT signal that weakens under broader, lower-quality-evidence review. Tradition-authority rulings (Islam, Judaism, Jehovah’s Witnesses) are drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 7
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Mental Health & Values

In development

Chronic illness

Verified evidence so far (7 citations)

Clinical evidence layer: observational reviews report that religious or spiritual engagement is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in youth (spiritual wellbeing), a small association with fewer PTSD symptoms after one earthquake, and lower suicide mortality (religious affiliation); negative religious coping showed a nonsignificant trend toward more depressive symptoms. Reviews list stigma and religious or cultural beliefs as perceived help-seeking barriers in Saudi Arabia, ASEAN countries, and among Arab men in Western countries, and religious and social support as facilitators. A proposed, untested framework (COPE) describes collaboration between mental health services and faith organizations. Tradition-specific positions on psychiatric care are not published.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 7
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Maternal & Reproductive Care Values

In development

Chronic illness

Verified evidence so far (8 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped. Scope note: this topic deliberately excludes abortion. It covers fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, high-risk/life-limiting-diagnosis decision-making, family planning, and postpartum mental health. Documented tradition positions on fertility treatment vary substantially and are not one "religious view" (IVF/IUI opposed by Catholic teaching but not by Hinduism/Buddhism; surrogacy and vasectomy impermissible across several traditions; Islam permits IVF/embryo transfer between spouses only). Religious participation shows a real, quantified protective association with postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety, and Islamic concepts like tawakkul (trust in divine destiny) documentedly ease grief after pregnancy loss. Yet religious belief is also the single most-cited reason for non-use of family planning services in the largest study reviewed. An official joint clinical-society framework supports palliative, family-centered care for life-limiting fetal diagnoses independent of prognosis certainty.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 8
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Pediatric Serious Illness & Family Decision-Making

In development

Serious illness

Verified evidence so far (6 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped. A longitudinal qualitative study found religion/spirituality directly influenced parental decision-making in 13 of 16 cases of children with life-threatening conditions. However, most clinicians were unaware of this influence, underscoring the "ask, don't assume" principle at the family's most vulnerable moment. National and systematic-review evidence shows clinicians often delay initiating advance care planning due to prognostic uncertainty and unclear responsibility, and identifies concrete roles (including chaplains) that support families through PICU end-of-life decisions. A peer-reviewed Catholic-perspective article on decision-making for critically ill infants is included directly (compiled from primary Catholic teaching); Islamic guardianship/consent-authority guidance is drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 6
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Vaccination & Preventive Care Across Traditions

In development

Everyday care

Verified evidence so far (5 citations)

Clinical evidence layer: systematic reviews report religious leaders in both supportive and neutral or negative roles in vaccine acceptance. Religion appears alongside mistrust, safety concerns and access among factors associated with hesitancy; direction of effect is not established. A review of anthroposophic communities found a spectrum of vaccine beliefs rather than uniform refusal. One online randomized trial found a scripture-based HPV message raised stated vaccination intention more than the CDC Vaccine Information Statement among Christian parents; it did not measure vaccination. Tradition-specific rulings on vaccine ingredients are not published.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 5
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Substance Use, Harm Reduction & Values

In development

Chronic illness

Verified evidence so far (7 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped. Spirituality/religion shows at least some documented beneficial association with substance-use recovery outcomes across a systematic review, and a longitudinal study found higher spiritual well-being predicted less frequent substance use in early recovery among predominantly Black/African American adults. However, this effect, like a parallel 12-step-involvement effect, diminished within months, an honest limit rather than a durable cure claim. Religious/community leaders in culturally diverse communities are documented playing both barrier and enabler roles in treatment access, and a systematic review of Muslim communities found stigma and trust (not religiosity itself) as the primary access barriers. On harm reduction specifically: community naloxone distribution shows strong survival evidence, while a rigorous meta-analysis found neither abstinence-based nor harm-reduction interventions category holds a clear overall advantage over the other. Both are presented without taking a policy position. VA chaplains are documented providing real but under-resourced addiction care. Islamic necessity (darura) principle permitting otherwise-prohibited substances in medical treatment, potentially applicable to addiction pharmacotherapy, is drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 7
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Aging, Disability & Caregiving Theologies

In development

Chronic illness

Verified evidence so far (8 citations)

Clinical evidence layer: religious and spiritual coping is associated with lower grief among some family caregivers in reviewed studies, mostly correlational. Religiosity correlates with some care-dependent older adults' attitudes toward assisted dying. Qualitative studies describe cultural or religious framings of disability as a source of exclusion in some settings, and also counter-framings (Ubuntu in Zimbabwe; religious communities named as welcoming places by people with serious mental illness). A peer-reviewed Catholic Social Teaching analysis of disability exclusion is cited; it speaks for its authors, not for the Church. Tradition-specific teachings on duties to aging parents are not published.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 8
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Genetics, Screening & Emerging-Technology Ethics

In development

Chronic illness

Verified evidence so far (8 citations)

Clinical evidence layer shipped. Scope note: this topic covers genetic counseling, screening, gene editing, and AI-assisted diagnosis themselves. It does not cover selective termination decisions, which fall under the maternal & reproductive care topic's existing abortion exclusion. Religious/spiritual belief functions as a documented coping heuristic for genetic uncertainty, yet genetic-counseling training programs report inconsistent preparation to discuss it. A large U.S. survey across nine religious/non-religious groups found real variation in gene-editing attitudes by group (Muslim participants most concerned, atheists least) but explicitly cautions against generalizing within any group. AI-diagnosis trust surveys in South Africa found religion significantly predicts preferring a human doctor over an AI one. Islamic guidance permitting therapeutic gene editing (not enhancement or lineage-altering uses) is drafted but held until directly verified.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 8
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Secular / Humanist / Existential Values

In development

Everyday care

Verified evidence so far (7 citations)

Clinical evidence layer: this topic exists because values must never implicitly mean religious only. One in four American patients now identify as religiously unaffiliated, and chaplains describe spiritual caregiving as still contributing to wellbeing for patients who are spiritual-but-not-religious, secular humanist, atheist, or agnostic; assessment tools have been proposed for this population. Structured psychotherapies such as dignity therapy and meaning-centered psychotherapy have been tested in trials of patients with advanced illness, with mixed results, and do not depend on religious belief. Nonreligious identity is not monolithic (nonreligious-theistic families still sought religious support at their child's death). The debate over faith-based versus secular chaplaincy models is recorded on both sides. Statements from humanist bodies were not read.

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: 7
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Emergency Care

In development

Hospital care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Pain Management & Opioid Decisions

In development

Serious illness

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Intensive Care & Family Presence

In development

Hospital care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Surgery & Anesthesia

In development

Hospital care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Primary & Chronic Illness Care

In development

Chronic illness

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Infectious Illness & Isolation

In development

Hospital care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Rehabilitation & Recovery

In development

Chronic illness

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Oral Health & Dental Care

In development

Everyday care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Migrant & Refugee Health

In development

Everyday care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Health Care in Prison or Jail

In development

Everyday care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Homelessness & Unstable Housing

In development

Everyday care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Violence, Abuse & Safety

In development

Everyday care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Disasters & Humanitarian Crises

In development

Everyday care

Evidence depth

Published page: Yes
Citations enumerated here: Not enumerated in this registry
Evidence note: Recorded
Registry inventory checked: 2026-09-18

Independent topic review

Clinical: not recorded
Decision science: not recorded
Community / context: not recorded

These are inventory facets, not an evidence-quality score, clinical validation, or a claim that the source set is complete. Citation verification and editorial source checks are separate from independent topic review.

See the evidence gathered so far →

Planned

Whole-Person Care Domains →

Organized by the NCP's eight domains

Limitations →

Where this resource is weakest, stated plainly

Cultural Dimensions →

The dimensions that are not traditions, and which await review

Was this page helpful?