Interactions between self-help and hospice and palliative care - Opportunities, barriers and needs (Self-Pall): A...

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Psychosocial Support
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Progressive, life-limiting illnesses cause significant psychological distress for patients and caregivers.
• Health-related self-help groups offer a coping strategy through shared experiences.
• Limited research exists on self-help group benefits, grief management, and integration with palliative care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient, caregiver, and professional perspectives on self-help in serious illness.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for self-help activities and their interaction with hospice and palliative care.
• To develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing self-help and palliative care integration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, multi-method sequential research design (July 2025 - June 2027).
• Semi-structured interviews with patients, family caregivers, and professionals.
• Focus groups and a multi-level Delphi process with an expert panel and Patient and Public Involvement group.

Main Results:

• Exploration of awareness, needs, and influencing factors for self-help activities.
• Assessment of self-help group approaches to dying, death, and grief.
• Identification of knowledge, barriers, and facilitators regarding hospice and palliative care services.

Conclusions:

• First bilateral exploration of self-help and hospice/palliative care interactions.
• Development of practical recommendations and key principles for improved integration.
• Significant implications for enhancing psychosocial support in end-of-life care.