Patient, Caregiver, and Clinician Perceptions of Palliative Care that Influence Access and Use: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Objective: Benefits of integration of palliative care early in the trajectory of a patient's serious illness are well established in the literature. Yet, barriers to palliative care access in the US continue to exist. The purpose of this study is to synthesize existing qualitative data of patient, caregiver, and clinician perceptions of palliative care (PC) that influence PC access and use in the US. Methods: A formal qualitative meta-synthesis was completed. The meta-synthesis included 1) a systematic literature search of qualitative studies conducted from 2016 to 2021, 2) a critical appraisal of the included studies, and 3) a reciprocal translation of the study's findings through an interpretive thematic analysis. Results: Seven articles met inclusion criteria resulting in a sample size of patients (n=18), caregivers (n=15), and clinicians (n=118). Three themes emerged with associated subthemes: knowledge and opinions of PC (subthemes of patient and caregiver knowledge and awareness and clinician knowledge and beliefs); care coordination and collaboration (subthemes of communication and trust); and social and structural drivers (subthemes of socioeconomic demographics and time and resources). Conclusions: This qualitative meta-synthesis identifies barriers and facilitators to palliative care access and use. The study findings illuminate the commonalities and differences of the perceptions of the three key stakeholder groups. In addition, this qualitative meta-synthesis reveals the complexities within the US healthcare system, and the challenges patients and their caregivers face accessing PC.