PP-24 Ethnic categorisation in palliative care research: what are the implications?

<h3>Introduction</h3> The classification of ethnicity plays a pivotal role in informing palliative care policies. There is insufficient exploration of how these broad categories translate into actual care practices, particularly at the end of life, raising concerns about the effectiveness of ethnic categorisation in capturing the complexities of patient identities and needs. <h3>Aims</h3> This study analyses how ethnic categorisation influences end-of-life care, emphasising the gap between generalised classifications and the specific needs of individual patients, along with the challenges this presents for healthcare providers. <h3>Methods</h3> The research was carried out at a hospice in South London and within community palliative care services across Central and North-West London. Semi-structured interviews and observational data were gathered from multidisciplinary meetings, community home visits, and outpatient appointments. Field notes documented discussions, interactions among patients and families, and healthcare practices across different ethnically categorised groups. <h3>Results</h3> The findings identified several negative issues associated with the use of ethnic categorisation in palliative care. Broad ethnic categories often do not capture the needs of individual patients, leading to inconsistencies between standardised care approaches and patient preferences. Consequently, healthcare providers may find it challenging to take into account the specific cultural contexts of their patients, which may result in misunderstandings, and less personalised palliative care experience for individuals. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study highlights the impact of ethnic categorisation on palliative care and the potential gaps in understanding it may create in end-of-life care. It advocates for a more reflective approach that moves beyond simplistic ethnic categories, emphasising the importance of refining existing classifications to better address the cultural needs of patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. <h3>Impact</h3> The study encourages policymakers to consider how ethnicity is integrated into healthcare strategies, potentially leading to more refined and inclusive categories that are applicable to diverse populations.