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Challenging the framework for evidence in palliative care research
Samar M Aoun1, Linda J Kristjanson
1WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Postgraduate Medicine, Edith Cowan University, Churchlands 6018, Western Australia. s.aoun@ecu.edu.au
Palliative Medicine
|October 13, 2005
Summary
This study explores evidence-based research in palliative care, highlighting limitations of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It proposes an Equity-Based Evidence framework to better incorporate contextual factors in palliative care research.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Research
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The public health literature features debates on 'best evidence'.
- Similar concerns regarding evidence-based approaches are present in palliative care research and implementation.
- Current methods may not fully capture palliative care's complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the 'best evidence' debate in public health and its parallels in palliative care.
- To identify limitations of existing evidence-based approaches in palliative care.
- To propose an alternative framework for evidence development in palliative care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis of evidence-based practice debates.
- Comparison of arguments in public health and palliative care literature.
- Introduction of the Equity-Based Evidence framework.
Main Results:
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while valuable, are insufficient for all palliative care research.
- Palliative care research requires consideration of contextual and compositional effects.
- The Equity-Based Evidence framework offers a potential solution.
Conclusions:
- A new framework is needed to advance evidence-based knowledge in palliative care.
- The proposed Equity-Based Evidence framework addresses limitations of traditional research designs.
- This approach aims to improve the integration of research into palliative care practice.