Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2023
Review Meta AnalysisPalliative Care Interventions Effects on Psychological Distress: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.
Managing psychological distress is an objective of palliative care. No meta-analysis has evaluated whether palliative care reduces psychological distress. ⋯ Psychological distress is not likely to be reduced in the context of a typical palliative care intervention. The systemic exclusion of patients with common mental health conditions in more than 1/3 of the studies raises ethical questions about the goals of palliative care RCTS and could perpetuate inequalities.