Public health palliative care, equity-oriented care, and structural vulnerability

Abstract

This chapter focuses on public health palliative care and its relationship to equity-oriented care and structural vulnerability. Contemporary concepts related to equity, diversity, and inclusivity are outlined then situated within palliative/end of life care and public health palliative care. Many people and communities face significant, enduring structural and systemic barriers that severely affect access to health and social care, create health disparities, and impinge on people’s quality of life. Framing hospice care, palliative care, and end of life care around equity and social justice issues are fundamental to the public health palliative care approach. Three examples are shared of communities of people who benefit greatly when key dimensions of equity-oriented approaches to care are considered. A final discussion consolidates overarching themes to provide direction for broad, enduring, and global application.