Synthesis and the future of end-of-life care

Rapidly evolving changes in healthcare present both challenges and opportunities to the integration of behavioural and mental health interventions into palliative and end-of-life care. This book and its companion text, Perspectives on Behavioural Interventions in Palliative and End-of-Life Care, offer accessible resources for scientists, practitioners, and trainees that may provide a foundation for collaborative, international, and interprofessional work. In this volume, disease context, ethical considerations, and policy or economic issues have been used to highlight emerging issues in the treatment of behavioural symptoms arising in palliative and end-of-life care. We begin by identifying core themes in the chapters contained in this volume. In the years ahead, likely developments include broadening of the reach and scope of palliative care and hospice services, an enhanced role for technology in the provision of care, the necessity of demonstrating clinical and financial impact, and an expansion of at least the debate, if not the practice, of medical aid in dying. Aspirations for the field include expanded public awareness of palliative and hospice care, more extensive interprofessional collaboration that integrates behavioural health providers, and enriched foundation of empirical findings to support evidence-based practice. Behavioural and mental health professionals have unique expertise to share in all these areas, even though historically they have been underutilized in this important area of healthcare. Expertise in assessment, treatment, other interventions, and research could be employed to enhance psychosocial care for people with serious illness. More professionals are needed to take up the charge and make a difference.