Swedish study links palliative care knowledge to home care preferences

A Swedish population-level study has found that a person's understanding of palliative care significantly influences their preference for where to receive end-of-life care. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Sophiahemmet University conducted the study using a random sample of 3,750 individuals aged 16 to 90.

Findings indicate that 60% of respondents wish to receive end-of-life care at home, and 54% prefer to die at home. Those with a comprehensive understanding of palliative care—recognizing it as an active, holistic form of care that alleviates suffering and supports families—are more likely to prefer home or hospice settings.

Conversely, individuals with less understanding are more likely to prefer hospital or residential care. The study noted that misconceptions play a role; for instance, 42% of those with the lowest level of understanding believed that palliative care hastens death, compared to 16% of the total participants.