GiveCare – Gender and diversity sensitive holistic end-of-life care: An intersectional multilevel, mixed methods approach

Researchers from various disciplines will explore how gender and diversity affect patients’ and caregivers’ end-of-life care journeys from an inpatient setting at University Hospital Zurich to outpatient settings in the Canton of Zurich (Switzerland). The research project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is part of the National Research Programme 83 “Gender Medicine and Health” (227202).

Project description

Palliative care is one of the most unequal areas of healthcare. Access to quality end-of-life care varies based on such factors as gender and social background. Current care often ignores the broader social and structural issues that shape patients’ and caregivers’ experiences. A more inclusive approach is needed – one that considers gender and other social factors through an intersectional lens to improve care, address inequalities and reduce discrimination at the end of life.

Research aim

This project aims to understand how gender and diversity affect end-of-life care. We will assess healthcare professionals’ perceptions of their gender and diversity awareness and knowledge. Further, we will explore whether and how gender and diversity issues are addressed in end-of-life care by following the care journeys of patients and caregivers. Using integrated knowledge translation, we will seek to apply this knowledge directly and sustainably in practice, policy and education.

Purpose

Our project takes a granular applied-research approach, addressing individual, interpersonal, organisational and systemic levels. This enables us to identify gaps in care delivery and coordination due to gender and diversity issues, raise awareness from policy to practice, and support the integration of interprofessional service settings. Locally developed solutions can be rapidly implemented in daily practice and provide examples of good practice for other settings.

Project leader(s)

• Prof. Dr. phil. Karin Ribi, Careum School of Health, part of the Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
• Dr. phil. Bettina Schwind, Careum School of Health, part of the Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
• Dr. med. Daniel Cobos Muñoz, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Switzerland
• PD Dr. med Caroline Hertler, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland
• Prof. Dr. phil. Frank Luck, Catholic University of Applied Sciences Freiburg, Germany

More info here