Palliative Care Research in a Developing Country: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Research
• Health Services Research
• Global Health

Background:

• Universal access to palliative care is hindered by a lack of research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines.
• Existing literature on palliative care in the Philippines is scarce, necessitating a comprehensive review of research output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the existing literature on palliative care in the Philippines.
• To identify the characteristics of palliative care studies conducted in the Philippines.
• To identify gaps in the current palliative care research landscape within the Philippines.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed to identify and analyze publications on palliative care in the Philippines from January 1994 to November 2024.
• Data were charted based on publication year, research methodologies, study population, palliative care focus, and author characteristics.
• A total of 46 publications were identified and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Most studies (32%) were cross-sectional, utilizing questionnaires, with others being reviews, editorials, or retrospective analyses.
• Half of the studies involved international collaborations, and most Filipino authors were affiliated with institutions in the National Capital Region.
• Research predominantly focused on pain management and end-of-life care, with 88% of publications concerning adult patients.

Conclusions:

• Established training programs and standardized quality-of-life assessment tools positively impact palliative care research and service delivery in the Philippines.
• Global initiatives have influenced the country's progress in palliative care.
• Significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly concerning the holistic role of palliative care, highlighting areas for future research and development.