Publication:

Isolation and its impact on quality of life at end-of-life palliative care services

Background Palliative care seeks to provide terminally ill individuals with an improved quality of life, preserved dignity, and increased overall well-being; however, social isolation is one of the most significant and frequently overlooked issues associated in end-of-life care settings. Social isolation has become a growing challenge to global health systems and poses significant psychological and physiological consequences for individuals at the end of life.

Methods An extensive peer-reviewed literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between social isolation and quality of life among patients receiving palliative and hospice care, using article databases, policy and governmental review documents, and international public health reports published between 2010 and 2024.

Results Results show social isolation as a significant but least acknowledged impact of terminal illness on quality of life for patients in palliative care. Research indicates that socially isolated terminally ill patients report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, as well as poorer physical and psychological outcomes than those who are not isolated. This review highlighted the importance of developing effective interventions that address patients’ psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs to improve QoL and overall well-being in palliative care.

Conclusions The influence of social isolation on the QoL and overall well-being of terminally ill patients receiving palliative care should be recognized as an important factor impacting patient-oriented outcomes in the provision of comprehensive palliative care through targeted interventions designed to support these needs.