Psychologists remain underutilised in palliative care, in part due to limited awareness and confusion about their role. To provide clarity on psychologists’ unique contributions to palliative care, this mixed-methods study explored consumers’ and health professionals’ perspectives on palliative psychosocial care, including the role of psychologists.
Three participant groups were recruited from across Australia, (1) people living with an advanced or incurable illness, and/or their carer, (2) psychologists and (3) other health-professionals providing care to a person living with an advanced or incurable illness and/or their carer.
Data was collected through a survey and an opt-in semi-structured interview. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed, together with statistical analysis of survey data.
51 completed survey responses were collected, and 33 participants were subsequently interviewed. Interviewees were mainly female, aged 31-79 years (M = 52.30, SD = 14.15), and comprised 12 patients and carers, 9 psychologists, and 12 other health-professionals (including allied health, nurses, and physicians). Key emerging findings indicated that participants with experience working with a psychologist in palliative care valued their distinct contributions and expertise. Similarly, psychologists recognised the multifaceted, deep-seated psychological and existential issues that can impact end-of-life decision-making and care. However, psychologists also reported a lack of specialist training and professional identity in their work, perpetuating the limited presence of psychology in palliative care.
Greater integration of psychologists in palliative care facilitates accurate assessment, formulation and treatment of psychological issues, in turn reducing burden on other health-professionals and distress experienced by patients and carers. Barriers such as funding, entrenched beliefs regarding mental health, and current models of care will be discussed, along with recommendations for practice, education and research. Overall, psychologists can make a fundamental contribution to palliative care, and there is significant opportunity to draw on their unique expertise to enhance interdisciplinary patient- and family-centred care.