Ethical and Logistical Challenges of Conducting Research with Hospice and Palliative Care Populations

Research in palliative care and hospice populations is important for improving quality of care, quality of life, and provider understanding of individuals at the end of life. However, this research involves many potential challenges. This thesis seeks to inform and assist researchers working with hospice and palliative care patients by presenting an exhaustive review of the published literature. Issues discussed include study design, informed consent, recruitment, risks and benefits for participants, ethics, and methodology. Areas of further research are highlighted and synthesized recommendations for researchers in these populations are presented