Evidence on home palliative care: Charting past, present, and future at the Cicely Saunders Institute – WHO Collaborating Centre for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation

Abstract

The need for home palliative care is increasing globally as the overall number of deaths rise and home remains where most people prefer to die and where most spend their last months of life. Research must accompany this growing demand and inform service developments. We highlight key findings by our team at the Cicely Saunders Institute that have informed policy in the UK, Europe, and beyond, influencing clinical practice and training. We also share the lessons learnt in the process of conducting research on aspects related to home palliative care over the last 15 years. We conclude by presenting priorities for future research, expressing our commitment as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation to continue helping the development of quality, accessible, and cost-effective home palliative care for the generations to come.