Author:
Yang Xue,Chen Xueting,Liu Qian,Yao Liqing
Abstract
Receiving palliative care has been shown to be effective in older adults with serious illnesses and reducing the healthcare burden and cost. To improve further research on old adults suffering from serious illness, we summarize the currently available theoretical models of palliative care, which could improve care strategies. Notably, few studies have focused on the conceptual models or theoretical frameworks of palliative care. In this review, we summarize the conceptual models or theoretical frameworks based on empirical data or quantitative research in the end-of-life field. We reviewed the theoretical models in the current literature regarding the field of palliative care. A structured data extraction form was used to record whether a study proposed a theoretical/conceptual model. Several conceptual models or theoretical frameworks were presented and summarized. Future endeavors should explore the conceptual models or theoretical frameworks from a holistic perspective in the field of end-of-life care.