Conducting research involving palliative patients.

AIM

The objective of this study was to outline some of the reasons why palliative care patients are seen to be vulnerable as research participants.

METHOD

The author conducted a literature review to ascertain whether or not palliative care patients should be involved in research.

RESULTS

The author found that the case for involving patients who are receiving palliative care in research is overwhelming, but that the protection of these patients must be an integral part of the research.

CONCLUSION

The research design should essentially incorporate the same aims as the palliative care philosophy: patient autonomy, open awareness, holism, respect and collaboration.