Exploring an integrated palliative care model for older people: An integrative review.

Abstract

Purpose Due to an international ageing population, global health organisations have recognised challenges arising from fragmented interaction between health and social sectors in end of life care. This paper shall explore existing literature on integrative palliative care services for older people. Design An integrative review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), papers included in the review focussed upon integrated care within palliative care systems (Jan 2007-17); papers were excluded when focussed on individuals younger than 65, not written in English and not being focused on integrated palliative care. Findings- Nine studies fitted the inclusion criteria and three themes were identified: Person-centred care, coordination of care, and education and training. The review identifies that integrated palliative care requires coordinated techniques that focus upon quality of life, individual needs and awareness of vulnerability rather than fixation on inevitable mortality. Research Implications- The emerging presence of the need for integrated palliative care requires further research in order to develop coherent models of integrated palliative care which can be incorporated into practice. Originality/Value- This review identified themes relevant to emerging issues in the global health sector of end of life care. The literature suggests that the optimised use of an integrated care approach to a palliative model of care is required and in need of further investigation.