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Abstract
Background The WHO defines palliative care (PC) as an approach to improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Within this context, palliative psychiatry (PP) emerges. The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on the applicability of PC in people with severe mental disorders.
Methods Nine online databases were used to identify articles published without time or language restrictions, from which 17 records were selected. These records originated from eight countries and covered eight psychiatric diagnostic groups.
Results A descriptive synthesis of the eligible studies was conducted, which were then analysed using content analysis techniques. From the thematic analysis, three main themes emerged: general aspects of PP, critical reflections on the application of care and the strategies employed in this field.
Conclusions Despite the growing definition of PP, the literature remains scarce, with few studies focused on PC for psychiatric disorders, leading to a neglect of such care. There is a significant demand for more empirical research and diverse approaches that include narratives and evaluations from patients and their families.
Trial registration number The protocol for this review was registered on the Open Science Framework platform under the DOI number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/3ZVN5.
- Palliative Care
- Psychological care
- Quality of life
- Rehabilitation
- Chronic conditions
Data availability statement
All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.
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Data availability statement
All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.
Footnotes
Contributors AJMS and MSBJ were mainly responsible for the conception and design of the work. AJMS, MSBJ, EWRL, MFdS and HMAF contributed significantly to acquiring, analysing and interpreting the data. AJMS, MSBJ and EWRL played the biggest role in drafting and revising the work for important intellectual content. AJMS, MSBJ, EWRL, MFdS and HMAF reviewed the final version and agreed on it before publication. AJMS and MSBJ were responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the work, with MSBJ acting as the guarantor.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.
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