Over half believe that if a person is receiving palliative care, they are in the last days and weeks of their lives

Four in ten adults in Northern Ireland prefer not to think or talk about palliative care, according to new research

Over half believe that if a person is receiving palliative care, they are in the last days and weeks of their lives

Four in ten adults in Northern Ireland prefer not to think or talk about palliative care. The finding is from a new survey of the public’s perceptions of palliative care commissioned by All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) to highlight Palliative Care Week, which takes place on 10 – 16 September 2023.

The survey of 500 people in Northern Ireland carried out in July 2023, also highlighted some of the positive perceptions that exist about palliative care:

• Six in ten adults believe that palliative care may be suitable for several years
• Nearly eight in ten adults agree that palliative care supports family, friends and carers during and after an illness
• Seven in ten adults think that palliative care should be considered as early as possible when diagnosed with a life-limiting illness
• Eight in ten adults think palliative care is beneficial for anyone with a life-limiting illness
• Seven in ten adults agree that palliative care focuses all aspects of the person – physical, social, emotional and spiritual care
• Nearly eight in ten adults think palliative care is suitable for people of any age.

This year is the 10^th annual Palliative Care Week. To mark this milestone, AIIHPC has explored how people’s perceptions of palliative care have changed throughout the years by including questions from the 2016 and 2018 campaigns in the 2023 survey. The 2023 results show that:

• Adults are less open now to talking about palliative care than they were in 2016. Today one in two adults prefer not to talk about palliative care, compared to one in four in 2015. This highlights the importance of continuing to encourage people to be open to discussing palliative and end of life care with their loved ones.
• Today, half of the adults surveyed still believe that if a person is receiving palliative care they are in the last days or weeks of life. This is a slight improvement in people’s knowledge back in 2018, when over half (56%) believed this.

The theme of this year’s Palliative Care Week is ‘Palliative Care: Living for today, planning for tomorrow.’ This was chosen following collaboration with AIIHPC’s members and the wider palliative care sector. It reflects the commitment of AIIHPC and its member organisations to improving the quality of life of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The comparative data above shows the relevance of this theme and the importance of the campaign.

Speaking ahead of Palliative Care Week 2023, Peter May, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health said:

“I am very pleased to support this 10^th annual Palliative Care Week.  This year’s campaign highlights the benefits of palliative care and the difference it can make to the quality of life of people of any age living with a life-limiting illness.

“The emphasis on living well that is at the core of this year’s theme reflects the important message that palliative care focuses on all aspects of the person, should be considered as early as possible on diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and may be suitable for several years.”

AIIHPC Director, Karen Charnley, said:

“It’s encouraging to see that our research has demonstrated a better understanding of the benefits of palliative care. During Palliative Care Week, we are encouraging individuals and communities to have important conversations about plans for the future with their loved ones and friends, including how they would like to be cared for if and when the need arises.

As well as this, we can see from the data that misconceptions still exist around palliative care, meaning some people who could benefit are less willing to seek it, potentially missing out on improved quality of life. This Palliative Care Week, we want to encourage people to learn more about palliative care and its   benefits by visiting thepalliativehub.com for more information.”

Visit www.thepalliativehub.com to find out more. Follow the campaign on Twitter @AIIHPC #pallcareweek10

-ENDS-

For further information or to request an interview contact:

Notes to Editors:

• *iReach survey of 500 people in Northern Ireland conducted in July 2023
• Karen Charnley, AIIHPC Director, is available for interviews
• Pacemaker Press will issue images to photo desks today for reproduction free of charge

NI Infographic

Additional Information on Palliative Care:

• Palliative care is a crucial part of integrated, people-centred health services. Relieving serious health-related suffering, be it physical, psychological, social, or spiritual, is a global ethical responsibility (World Health Organization 2022).
• Palliative care is delivered by a wide range of health and social professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, dieticians, chaplains and more.
• Evidence suggests that between 75% and 80% of people who die have conditions that would benefit from some palliative care services, with the potential to support their quality of life for weeks, months and years.
• The need for palliative care is increasing across the island of Ireland. The number of people dying in Northern Ireland over 25 years from 2016 to 2041 is projected to increase by 32 per cent (from 15,300 to 20,300) – NISRA Statistical Bulletin (October 2017).
• In Northern Ireland, estimated 45% increase in people dying with palliative care needs between 2018 and 2040.
• It is estimated anywhere between 100-150K people in NI are currently living with progressive and non-curative conditions (in their last years of life).

About All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care:

All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) is a collaborative of hospices, health and social care organisations and universities on the island of Ireland. AIIHPC advances education, research and practice to improve the palliative care experience of people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

AIIHPC works with a group of visionary partners who recognise the value of working together to achieve a better, richer experience of palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions. The organisation’s 28 partners (17 Republic of Ireland / 11 Northern Ireland) are:

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Bumbleance

Dublin City University

Dublin University Trinity College

Foyle Hospice

Galway Hospice Foundation

Irish Hospice Foundation

Irish Cancer Society

LauraLynn Children’s Hospice

Macmillan Cancer Support

Marie Curie

Marymount University Hospital & Hospice

Milford Care Centre

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Northern Ireland Hospice

North West Hospice

Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services

Public Health Agency

Queen’s University Belfast

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

South East Technological University

St. Francis Hospice

University of Galway

Ulster University

University College Dublin

Western Health and Social Care Trust

AIIHPC receives funding from a range of sources including member organisations, the HSE, Public Health Agency, Health Research Board, and Health and Social Care R&D Division, Public Health Agency.