Palliative care interventional research in general practice: a narrative review of factors affecting research conduct

This review examines the challenges and barriers to conducting palliative care interventional research in general practice settings. Despite most palliative care being delivered in general practice, only 9% of related clinical trials occur there. Evidence from hospitals and specialist settings does not easily translate to the general practice environment due to differences in population, context, and care processes. This review identified several factors that influence research conduct, including those related to healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients and carers, general practices, health systems, and research design.   Key findings highlight that HCPs and practices prioritise clinical care, often struggling to incorporate research activities into their already heavy workload. Additionally, both staff and patients frequently have negative perceptions of palliative care research and limited experience with it, leading to reluctance and gatekeeping. Successful interventions require engaging general practice staff in the design and implementation phases, ensuring their participation and support. The review underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among patients, carers, and clinicians to create interventions tailored to the unique needs of general practice settings, emphasising the complexity and necessity of such research in improving community-based palliative care. Read the full review here.