A recent study conducted in Southwestern Ontario by Cait and colleagues (2024), attempted to explore the impact of social, ethnic and demographic changes to understand how this may affect volunteer recruitment, and representation. The research team interviewed volunteers, community members and staff to determine the differences of cultural views on Continue reading →

Grief and bereavement is an important part of palliative care, not only for patients but also physicians and other service providers. In a recent study conducted by Barlow and colleagues (2024), the curricula in Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship programs were explored. It was discovered that 90% of the programs Continue reading →

Music care is an approach to care that provides the means for anyone, regardless of their musical credentials, to use music in their day-to-day care of patients. It is distinct from music therapy which is provided by an individual with specific training in music therapy. A recent pilot study conducted Continue reading →

In a recent study by Cherba (2023) and colleagues, the impact of COVID-19 policies on palliative care in Canada were explored. Interviews were conducted with 29 experts in the field and revealed three common themes. First, the pandemic policies increased the desire for patients to follow their end-of-life treatments from Continue reading →

In a recent rapid review, Daudt (2023) and team examined the psychosocial aspects of aging and dying in place. Gaps in existing programs were discovered and divided into three main themes including: an oversight in addressing all the patient’s needs, a lack of preparation for the process of aging and Continue reading →

Individuals facing socioeconomic challenges often encounter barriers to accessing essential services, such as healthcare. A recent study by Salas (2023) and colleagues explored this issue by implementing a community-based palliative care nursing intervention for vulnerable individuals. This intervention was a collaboration between the research team and the Palliative Care Outreach Continue reading →

Funk (2023) and colleagues examined different characteristics and preferences for the location of death, with a focus on the meaning and the desire of dying at home. Through virtual interviews with a diverse group of 24 participants, including healthcare professionals and community advocates, the study demonstrated a link between personal Continue reading →

Grief responses differ in severity and duration between individuals. For some individuals, grief can lead to psychological distress, including prolonged grief disorder. Understanding the differences in responses to loss is important to develop tailored care plans for the bereaved individual. Heeke (2023) and colleagues conducted a systematic review to understand the state of Continue reading →

Walker (2023) and colleagues conducted a scoping review to better understand the role of place of death of pediatric palliative care patients. The characteristics of three locations were highlighted: hospitals, homes and hospices. Notably, a preference emerged for the deaths to occur at home, emphasizing the significance of respecting the Continue reading →

The focus on managing both physical and nonphysical pain is central to hospice palliative care. An analysis study performed by Rattner (2023) and colleagues describes the experience of 24 palliative care clinicians across Canada to discover the obstacles in treating nonphysical suffering. It was determined that this type of care Continue reading →