EPIC-PC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Equitable Palliative care In the Community through Primary Care (EPIC-PC): a realist study to propose a new integrated neighbourhood team approach to palliative and end of life care.
IRAS ID
354755
Contact name
Sarah Mitchell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 25 days
Research summary
Palliative and end-of-life care helps people with serious illnesses that can’t be cured to have the best possible quality of life in their final years, months, weeks, or days. However, in England, nearly one in four people who need this care don’t get it, and those living in the most deprived areas are the least likely to receive support. Primary care includes general practices, community nursing and pharmacies. These are the first places that people go to for health care and treatment in the community, but the quality and availability of care can vary widely. In England, primary care services are working more closely with specialist teams—such as hospices and NHS palliative care teams—through “Integrated Neighbourhood Teams.” Integration could improve palliative and end-of-life care and reduce inequities and inequalities, but research is urgently needed to understand how this works best, when where and for whom. This study will explore how better coordination between different healthcare services can improve palliative and end-of-life care, especially for people in deprived areas.
Interviews will be conducted with patients and their carers to understand their needs and preferences. Their medical records will also be reviewed, and a national survey will gather wider perspectives. Health and care professionals working in both primary care and specialist palliative care will take part in interviews and focus groups to share what works well and what needs improvement. The findings from all interviews, medical records, and surveys will be analysed to identify the best ways to deliver integrated care. Experts, including healthcare leaders and managers, will come together to create practical recommendations for improving care.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
25/ES/0066
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion