Rural residents' perspectives on the rural 'good death': a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Research
• Rural Health Studies
• Sociology of Death and Dying

Background:

• Palliative care aims for a 'good death,' but existing research predominantly reflects urban viewpoints.
• Rural populations have unique characteristics necessitating specific consideration in end-of-life care research.
• A 'good death' is often perceived as peaceful, pain-free, and without suffering, though definitions vary culturally and personally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of current research on the 'good' rural death.
• To identify and map existing knowledge from the perspectives of rural residents, including those with life-limiting illnesses.
• To highlight evidence gaps for future research directions in rural end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of five library databases, reference lists, relevant journals, and grey literature.
• Inclusion of 20 articles (17 studies, 1 systematic review) after a two-phase screening process.
• Thematic and quantitative analysis of extracted data from diverse rural stakeholders.

Main Results:

• Data were gathered from rural patients, family caregivers, healthcare providers, community members, leaders, and administrators.
• Rural locations exhibited heterogeneity, influencing perspectives on a 'good death'.
• While peace, lack of pain, and absence of suffering are common themes, individual priorities are subjective and influenced by personal, cultural, social, and religious factors.

Conclusions:

• There is insufficient data to generalize the perspectives of rural residents on what constitutes a 'good death'.
• Further research is critically needed to explore the nuanced views of rural patients and their family caregivers.
• Addressing the specific needs and preferences of rural populations is essential for improving end-of-life care and achieving a 'good death'.