Inequalities in access to hospice care is a source of considerable concern. This study identified the literature the demographic characteristics of those who access hospice care more often, focusing on; diagnosis, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, geography and socio-economic status.
Summary
Inequalities in access to hospice care is a source of considerable concern; white, middle-class, middle-aged, cancer patients have traditionally been over-represented in hospice populations.
Project aims
This study has undertaken a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the literature concerning the demographic characteristics of those who access hospice care more often, focusing on; diagnosis, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, geography and socio-economic status.
Project activity
An extensive literature search demonstrated persistent inequalities in hospice care provision: non-cancer patients, the oldest old, ethnic minorities and those living in rural or deprived areas are under-represented in hospice populations. The effect of gender and marital status is inconsistent. There is a limited literature concerning hospice service access for the LGBTQ+ community, homeless people and those living with HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.
Barriers of prognostic uncertainty, institutional cultures, particular needs of certain groups and lack of public awareness of hospice services remain substantial challenges to the hospice movement in ensuring equitable access for all.
What we found and what this means
This study is now completed, with the paper published in February 2021. The key findings have been presented at several national conferences.
A new study, further investigating inequalities in access to hospice care, is currently under development.
Who was involved?
Principle Investigator
Professor Stephen Barclay (Sigb2@medschl.cam.ac.uk), University of Cambridge
Researchers and institutions
- Isaac Winterburn (iw294@medschl.cam.ac.uk), University of Cambridge
- Dr Jake Tobin, University of Cambridge
- Dr Alice Rogers, University of Cambridge
- Dr Sebastian Tullie, University of Cambridge
- Dr Asanish Kalyanasundaram, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Isla Kuhn, University of Cambridge
Contact us
Professor Stephen Barclay, Sigb2@medschl.cam.ac.uk
