New Demos Report Analyzes Inequalities in End-of-Life Care

Demos UK has just published a new report, Ways and Means.



Many receive end-of-life care of varying quality, often characterized by delays, a lack of information and an insufficient say in their end of life journey.  



Ways and Means highlights several factors that contribute to these kinds of inequalities at the end of life. It reveals that the likelihood of what can be described as a ‘good death’ – one where the wishes of the patient and their family are met – can be significantly affected by: (1) where people live, (2) their ethnicity, and (3) previous contact with social care. But the most critical factor is early diagnosis and timely initiation of support.



Ways and Means argues that tackling these inequalities requires placing an emphasis on training, communication and integration across health and social care. It recommends free social care at end of life be adopted as soon as possible, while ensuring that health and care professionals, who have a central role in providing well coordinated end of life care, are equipped and properly supported to talk about death. It concludes that a misplaced sense of delicacy must not prevent us from responding to people’s needs.