Mental health and wellbeing towards the end of life: Research and Knowledge Exchange Network
Commissioned Research Project
Duration: 24 months
Duration: 24 months
Researchers
Dr Anne Finucane
Lead researcher
University of Edinburgh
Dr David Gillanders
Researcher
University of Edinburgh
Lay abstract
Despite over 750,000 people dying each year in the UK (approx. 550,000 in England, 60,000 in Scotland, 36,000 in Wales, and 17,000 in Northern Ireland), mental health support for those approaching end of life is limited. The lack of support extends to both the person dying, and those close to them such as family and friends. Access to psychological, psychosocial, and spiritual support to optimise mental health and wellbeing is an essential component of palliative care. Yet, evidence on effective psychological and psychosocial support in the context of deteriorating physical health is fragmented and lacks visibility. Consequently, there is little accessible evidence to guide best practice in relation to supporting people with emotional and existential distress due to advanced illness.
Our network will bring together academics, clinicians, service managers, patient and carer representatives and policy leads to advance a research agenda to improve mental wellbeing for people approaching end of life, and their caregivers, across the UK.
