Research project – Positive Steps to Inclusive Palliative Care (PSIP)

Across the UK, the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals with life-limiting conditions are often inadequately met.

What’s more, this phenomenon is exacerbated by inequalities in care access. Marginalized groups in Newcastle, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds and / or with lower socioeconomic status, face significant barriers to palliative care. Existing services are simply not inclusive enough to meet the needs of these under-represented populations. Addressing this gap is critical to ensuring equitable, high-quality palliative care delivery.

The Positive Steps to Inclusive Palliative Care Project (PSIP) will explore these challenges through direct engagement with patients and caregivers, identifying barriers and co-creating a tailored, inclusive care model.

Felicity Dewhurst, Consultant In Palliative Medicine at St Oswald’s Hospice

Newcastle University

October 2025

Aims:

This study aims to understand and address the needs of individuals with life-limiting conditions in Newcastle.

Objectives:

  1. A comprehensive analysis of participant needs and barriers to care access.
  2. Development of the “Positive Steps” care model, a participant-informed framework comprising emotional support, practical advice, and peer activities.

Qualitative

Sites:

St Antony’s and Heaton Road GP Practices

Study Team:

Davina Radford – St Oswald’s Hospice, Freya Hepburn – St Oswald’s Hospice, Felicity Dewhurst – St Oswald’s Hospice, Eugene Tang – Newcastle University