Research in Palliative Care (DRAFT)

There exists a dearth of empirical research in palliative care, both due to limited funding and also methodological hurdles. Some have questioned the appropriateness of doing research with palliative care patients, based on the vulnerability caused by the nature of their illness. But despite this added vulnerability, such patients may well be able to offer informed consent, and without quality research the field will not grow in its ability to provide optimal care to patients. Researchers also need to identify reliable and valid metrics for quality care, which can be challenging given the subjective nature of many measures (such as symptoms) and the treatment preferences that can vary from individual to individual.