Palliative Care in the Ageing European Population: A Cross-Country Comparison

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Cerullo, G (Author) Other; Figueiredo, T (Author) Other; Coelho, C (Author) Other; Campos, CS (Author) Other; Videira Silva, A (Author) Other; Carrilho, J (Author) Other; Midão, L (Author) FFUP; Costa, E (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Vol. 21

Final page: 113

ISSN: 1661-7827

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-XZM

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010113

Abstract (EN): With Europe¿s ageing population and rising demand for palliative care, it is crucial to examine the use of palliative care among older adults during their last years of life and understand the factors influencing their access and end-of-life circumstances. This study employed a cohort of SHARE participants aged 65 years or older who had passed away between Wave 6 (2015) and Wave 7 (2017). Information on death circumstances, palliative care utilization, and associated variables were analysed. The study revealed that nearly 13.0% of individuals across these countries died under palliative care, with Slovenia having the lowest rate (0.3%) and France the highest (30.4%). Palliative care utilization in the last 30 days before death was observed in over 24.0% of participants, with the Czech Republic having the lowest rate (5.0%) and Greece the highest (48.8%). A higher risk of using or dying in palliative care was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (low verbal fluency), physical inactivity, and good to excellent self-perceived health. This work highlights the urgent need for enhanced global access to palliative care and advocates for the cross-country comparison of effective practices within Europe, tailored to the unique healthcare needs of older adults. © 2024 by the authors.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific