Lead researcher Professor Sonja McIlfatrick hopes that the findings and recommendations released during Palliative Care Week (8-14 September) will contribute towards the ongoing development of a public health framework for palliative care.
While 86% of people reported being familiar with the term palliative care, research found misconceptions still existed with many respondents assuming palliative care was only for older people, those in the final six months of life and only available in a hospital setting. The government has identified palliative care as a key public health priority with numerous tools and guidelines available. The study found that the most common source of knowledge is close friends and relatives receiving palliative care.
The study provided evidence that there was broad support for promoting advance care planning, with the majority of respondents detailing they would be comforted to know they had left guidance with their family about their wishes. However, fear, taboo and shame, along with perceived lack of information plus an absence of public debate, were cited as reasons why such discussions do not take place.
Those living in rural settings possessed more accurate perceptions of palliative care than those living in urban settings.
Lead researcher, Head of School of Nursing at Ulster University Professor Sonja McIlfatrick commented:
“With people living longer and often with progressive illness we all have an important role to play in both educating and empowering people to take control of their future health care. We’re starting to see growing awareness of the benefits that palliative care and advance care planning can provide, however they are not well understood by the public. Greater efforts are needed to promote palliative care and reduce the misconceptions among the public.”
Karen Charnley is Director of All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care which is coordinating Palliative Care Week. Karen said:
This Ulster University research shows the need for continued efforts to raise awareness and increase understanding of palliative care and to continue these conversations so people are empowered to think about how palliative care could help them. Palliative Care Week aims to raise awareness of the difference palliative care can make to people with a life-limiting illness or condition, to carers and to families throughout the island of Ireland. This year’s theme ‘Palliative Care: Surrounding You With Support’, is focusing on how people with palliative care needs are being supported in the community.
Palliative Care Week is supported by the Department of Health. Richard Pengelly Permanent Secretary at the Department said:
“I am pleased once again to support Palliative Care Week. This year’s theme ‘Surrounding You With Support’ recognises the importance of community in ensuring that people living with a life-limiting condition have access to the holistic care and support they need to help them not only to live with their illness but to live well. Our health and social care professionals play a valuable role in supporting people with palliative care needs. At a community and individual level, we also have a role to play. Being part of the wider conversation to raise awareness and understanding of palliative care is something we can all contribute to. At an individual level, having conversations with our loved ones about their, and our own, preferences for care and planning ahead for this can help provide peace of mind that, if the time does come when it is needed, our preferences and wishes for future care are known and can be acted upon.”