People & Contexts | General public

Key themes and approaches in palliative and end-of-life care education for the general public: a systematic review

Published: Aug 2025

Authors

Muzeyyen Seckin

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, East Wing, Medical School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

Rumandeep Tiwana

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, East Wing, Medical School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

David Fry

NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, Birmingham, UK

Cara Bailey

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, East Wing, Medical School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK St Giles Hospice, Staffordshire, UK

Abstract

Background: 

Families, friends, and communities play a vital role in supporting individuals facing declining health, caregiving duties, loss, or grief, especially with the growing desire to die at home. The general public can significantly impact end-of-life care and offer essential support mechanisms. This review aimed to explore and identify key educational components related to palliative and end-of-life care for citizens, volunteers, and the general public.

Methods:

A mixed-method systematic review was conducted, incorporating four electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library) and grey literature searches, and quality was assessed using Hawker et al.’s (2002) critical appraisal checklists.

Results:

Twenty studies published between 2011 and 2023 were included, covering topics in palliative, end-of-life care, and bereavement education. These studies involved a total of 10,307 participants and identified 16 different educational programmes for the public, volunteers, and lay caregivers. The analysis revealed six main themes: foundational concepts and philosophies, communication and decision-making, planning and preparation, symptom management, end-of-life care practices, and caregiving support.

Conclusions:

This review highlights the importance of training programmes to improve community involvement in caregiving and enhance the quality of care for individuals with life-limiting conditions. Expanding access to such educational resources can empower more people to contribute confidently to end-of-life care in their communities.

Access

Web link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01852-w