Gender- and diversity-sensitive end-of-life care

Project description

Palliative care is one of the most unequal areas of healthcare. Access to quality end-of-life care varies based on such factors as gender and social background. Current care often ignores the broader social and structural issues that shape patients’ and caregivers’ experiences. A more inclusive approach is needed – one that considers gender and other social factors through an intersectional lens to improve care, address inequalities and reduce discrimination at the end of life.

Research aim

This project aims to understand how gender and diversity affect end-of-life care. We will assess healthcare professionals' perceptions of their gender and diversity awareness and knowledge. Further, we will explore whether and how gender and diversity issues are addressed in end-of-life care by following the care journeys of patients and caregivers. Using integrated knowledge translation, we will seek to apply this knowledge directly and sustainably in practice, policy and education.

Purpose

Our project takes a granular applied-research approach, addressing individual, interpersonal, organisational and systemic levels. This enables us to identify gaps in care delivery and coordination due to gender and diversity issues, raise awareness from policy to practice, and support the integration of interprofessional service settings. Locally developed solutions can be rapidly implemented in daily practice and provide examples of good practice for other settings.