End of life issues in hospitals

Published: 28 June 2017

Leading end of life academics have presented their research into end of life in hospitals in Scotland, Denmark and New Zealand at an event organised by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Marie Curie in Scotland.

Leading end of life academics have presented their research into end of life in hospitals in Scotland, Denmark and New Zealand at an event organised by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Marie Curie in Scotland.

Research published by the University of Glasgow End of Life Studies Group, supported by Marie Curie, found that three in ten people on a given day in Scottish hospitals will die within 12 months. One in ten will die on their current admission.

Similar research has since been carried out in Denmark and New Zealand.

Professor David Clark OBE of the University of Glasgow spoke about his research into end of life in Scottish hospitals. Dr Lene Jarlbæk of the Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care (REHPA) introduced the Danish situation, and Professor Merryn Gott of the University of Auckland presented her research into end of life in New Zealand.

The speakers drew comparisons between the three countries, explored reasons for differences between their findings, and introduced possible policy approaches. After the presentations the speakers formed a panel and a lively audience discussion followed.

You can watch video and listen to an audio podcast of the event, including the audience discussion, on the End of Life Studies blog.

The event was held on 21 June 2017 at the Glasgow Royal Concert hall. It was organised in collaboration with Marie Curie in Scotland and supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

It follows on from a seminar End of life care in Scottish hospitals: opportunities for further engagement which the University of Glasgow End of Life Studies Group organised in 2015.

Image of (L-R) Lene Jarlbaek, Merryn Gott, David Clark and Richard Meade.


First published: 28 June 2017