Using relational ethics to approach equity in palliative care

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Palliative Care
• Health Equity

Background:

• Structurally vulnerable individuals, including those facing racism, sexism, stigma, and homelessness, often experience inadequate end-of-life care and may feel unworthy of treatment.
• While the need for equity in palliative care is recognized, ethical decision-making frameworks, particularly relational ethics, are underexplored for marginalized populations.
• Relational ethics highlights the interconnectedness of clients, providers, and social structures, acknowledging how societal conditions impact individual choices and access to care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore relational ethics as a framework for achieving equity in palliative care for structurally vulnerable individuals.
• To discuss how relational ethical considerations can foster collaborative partnerships between clients, healthcare providers, and communities.
• To demonstrate how relational ethics can align palliative care with clients' values, needs, and preferences.

Main Methods:

• Critical essay exploring the application of relational ethics in palliative care.
• Discussion of ethical considerations for collaborative partnerships in care.
• Examination of an ethical case for promoting equitable access through relational approaches.

Main Results:

• Relational ethics offers a lens to better support equitable palliative care delivery for marginalized populations.
• This approach can align client wishes with their care needs, ensuring decision-making is trauma-informed, harm reduction-focused, and culturally respectful.
• Relational ethics has the potential to promote social change in palliative care by informing equitable practices for and with marginalized individuals.

Conclusions:

• Relational ethics provides a robust framework for addressing inequities in palliative care.
• Implementing relational approaches can lead to more personalized, equitable, and client-centered end-of-life care.
• This ethical model supports social transformation towards greater equity in healthcare for vulnerable populations.