Hospice and Palliative Care during Disasters: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Disaster medicine
• Palliative care research
• Healthcare system resilience

Background:

• Disasters significantly challenge the provision of hospice and palliative care (HPC).
• Understanding the impact of disasters on HPC services and preparedness is crucial for maintaining continuity of care.
• Existing disaster preparedness plans often overlook specific HPC needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the impact of disasters on hospice and palliative care provision.
• To evaluate disaster preparedness initiatives within the HPC field.
• To identify key themes and challenges in delivering HPC during crises.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of peer-reviewed original research published between January 2001 and February 2023.
• Searched databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, and SocINDEX.
• Assessed study quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and performed content analysis.

Main Results:

• 57 studies met inclusion criteria from 2581 identified; most focused on the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Identified four main themes: system disruption, setting-specific differences, emotional challenges, and system adaptation.
• Hospice and palliative care needs were poorly integrated into disaster preparedness planning.

Conclusions:

• Hospice and palliative care services face significant disruptions during disasters.
• There is a critical need to enhance the integration of HPC into disaster preparedness strategies.
• Strengthening the resilience of HPC providers is essential to ensure consistent care standards during emergencies.