The field of public health has witnessed substantial advancements in medical knowledge and technology, contributing to a notable increase in human life expectancy. While these advancements have extended lives, they have not proportionately enhanced the quality of life, especially in the crucial end-of-life stages. This disparity highlights significant challenges in addressing person-centered care during life-limiting conditions, which often lack adequate attention within broader healthcare goals.

This Research Topic is focused on driving a comprehensive revaluation of person-centered care, specifically emphasizing the nuances of end-of-life scenarios often faced by individuals with severe illnesses. The objective is to improve both the quality of life for patients and the well-being of caregivers, consequently lightening the burden on global health systems. By concentrating on end-of-life care aspects, such as patient engagement, caregiver support, hospital readmissions, advocacy for advance directives, and the growth of palliative and hospice care, research can foster meaningful change.

The scope of this research topic will include an examination of the current methods used to measure the quality of end-of-life care, such as international ranking systems. Despite providing a comparative framework across countries, there remains a debate surrounding these metrics and their applicability across differing cultural, political, and moral landscapes. Through a dual analytical approach, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative angles, this research aims to uncover key factors in care performance. The insights garnered will inform policy reforms and the development of superior intervention strategies, integrating principles from Aging and Public Health, Public Health Policy, and Life-Course Epidemiology.

To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Patient engagement strategies in end-of-life care

Caregiver support frameworks and their impact

International comparisons of end-of-life care quality metrics

The role of public health policy in shaping palliative care

Lived experiences of patients and caregivers in the end-of-life stage

Compassionate engagement of communities in support of palliative and end-of-life care

We encourage submissions that explore these multifaceted aspects of end-of-life care to drive forward improvements in societal approaches to aging and terminal diseases, ensuring dignity and quality in the final chapters of life.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Addressing End-of-Life Challenges: Advancing Person-Centered Care Through Public Health Frameworks