This study explored how sex and gender affect palliative and end-of-life care in the UK. Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 patients and spoke with hospice staff. They found few differences in care use between men and women, but staff reported that gender impacted experiences. Women were more often caregivers, Continue reading →

This prospective study evaluated the predictive accuracy of the Surprise Question (SQ)—“Would I be surprised if this patient died within 3 or 12 months?”—when answered by nurses and physicians in an emergency department (ED) setting. The goal was to see if this question could help predict which patients might die Continue reading →

This study examines how patients in palliative care subtly raise end-of-life (EoL) concerns through ambiguous or allusive cues and how healthcare professionals (HCPs) respond. Using conversation analysis of 85 consultations, it identifies when cues are foregrounded (central to the conversation) or backgrounded (embedded in other topics). HCPs may respond accordingly Continue reading →

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, with rising incidence rates each year. Home-based hospice care allows patients with terminal cancer to spend their final days at home, encompassing scheduled visits, 24-hour on-call support, and symptom management. The overall aim of this study was to update and synthesize Continue reading →

This pilot study explored the feasibility of using wearable devices for continuous monitoring of vital signs in hospitalized palliative care patients. Out of 275 screened patients, only seven participated due to strict eligibility criteria. Wrist-worn devices provided valid data 61.5% of the time, while chest-wall devices achieved 55.2%. Heart rate Continue reading →

In an increasingly globalized world, multiculturalism has transformed healthcare settings, making cultural diversity an essential component of care. Culture plays a central role in healthcare, delineating values, decisions, expectations, and practices. In the context of end-of-life care, awareness about how culture affects care and its professional practices becomes especially relevant. Continue reading →

Host Kath Murray draws out practical tips and inspiring stories from palliative care experts in the Palliative Talks podcast.  Guests share meaningful, engaging and useful information for integrating palliative care and a palliative approach to care, to support front-line care providers to make a big difference in the lives of those they care for, and for themselves and their care teams. Listen or watch now!

End-of-life care can involve complex decisions, and patients’ preferences are particularly important. Advance care planning is a process that enables individuals to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care, discuss these with family and healthcare providers, and record and review these preferences if appropriate. However, preferences are Continue reading →