Exploring the perspectives of health care professionals providing palliative care to older adults experiencing homelessness: a qualitative study

Abstract

An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to examine the perspectives of health care professionals providing palliative care to older adults experiencing homelessness through the Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) model. The lived experiences of health care professionals were explored, along with the perceived facilitators, barriers, and recommendations to identify best practices in the delivery of palliative care for this vulnerable population. One-on-one interviews were conducted virtually with participants (n=11) from a Southeastern Ontario clinic and hub. Five themes emerged from the verbatim transcripts, using thematic analysis: advocacy for patients, facilitators, barriers relating to homelessness and healthcare, and future recommendations. The findings suggest the need to deliver palliative care in community-based settings through the co-location of medical and social services, using an interprofessional approach for low-barrier access. This study can help inform clinical practice, education, health policy, and future research to address the unique needs of this population.