Researchers: Joodi Mourhl, Dr Ben Bowers, Krzysztof Sosnowski, Riddhiman Ghosh, Helen Cai, Isla Kuhn, Dr Lucy Pocock (University of Bristol)
Funders: NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England. Wellcome Trust Early Career Award [Ben Bowers]
Partner institutions: University of Bristol, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS foundation Trust
Start date: 01/01/2025
End date: 01/08/2026
Project summary:
More people with terminal conditions in the UK are dying at home. While dying at home is often idealised as a peaceful, comfortable experience surrounded by family in a familiar space, the realities can be different. The patient voice has rarely been heard. The primary objective of this systematic review is to explore the experiences of adult patients dying at home in the UK, focusing on their final months of life. We aim to identify common themes in patients' lived experiences and highlight areas where end-of-life care can be improved. This project will synthesise existing qualitative research to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing care for both patients and their families at the end of life. The findings will help inform healthcare providers and policymakers.
PROSPERO details: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025635388
Project aims:
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Understand personal experiences of adult patients dying at home.
Provide suggestions for improving care for dying patients and their families.
Project impact:
We will provide evidence-based suggestions for improving the care and experiences of adults dying at home. We will highlight critical gaps in the current evidence base warranting further research. Our project findings will be shared widely through a focused, brief policy brief for care commissioners and healthcare service providers.