ORCID
- Gary Hodge: 0000-0003-1961-1664
- Gina Kallis: 0000-0002-6872-7156
- Tomasina Oh: 0000-0003-4662-3193
- Hannah Wheat: 0000-0003-3211-6254
- Susie Pearce: 0000-0003-0177-5732
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Palliative and End of Life care (PEoLC) in the United Kingdom (UK) is increasingly being reported as inadequate. This is occurring amidst a wider backdrop of health and social care systems facing unprecedented pressure, particularly as they recover from the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the barriers to PEoLC faced by those providing and receiving care in South-West England (UK). This region of the UK brings its own set of unique challenges due to its rural and coastal location, an aging population, and a historical lack of research.
METHODS: An exploratory study was conducted which involved patients, families, and professionals who were providing and receiving PEoLC. A total of 13 qualitative focus groups were held with a total of 63 participants; 45 were health and care professionals and 18 were people toward the end of their life, family/carers and people who were bereaved.
RESULTS: A range of barriers were identified for those providing and receiving PEoLC services. These were a lack of specialist palliative and EoL care resources (particularly in out-of-hours care); poor communication, collaboration and co-ordination across providers; inequalities in the access and provision of care; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and a reluctance to have conversations about death and dying.
CONCLUSION: This study brings together the voices of patients, family, and professionals from different settings in a geographical area of the UK. Understanding their experiences and perceived barriers to care is key to being able to develop and transform care. Ultimately, there is a need for a collaborative and co-ordinated approach across both practice and research, working toward what is important to those providing, and most importantly, those receiving care at the end of their lives.
Publication Date
2025-01-20
Publication Title
Frontiers in Sociology
Volume
9
Keywords
end of life care, family carers, hospice care, palliative care, patient, professionals
First Page
1488688
Last Page
1488688
Recommended Citation
Hodge, G., Kallis, G., Oh, T., Wheat, H., & Pearce, S. (2025) 'Exploring perceived barriers to palliative and end of life care provision in South-West England: bringing together the perspectives of professionals, patients, and families', Frontiers in Sociology, 9, pp. 1488688-1488688. Available at: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1488688
