The Development of Palliative Care in Finland and Its Societal Impacts: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Palliative care has evolved considerably over the past decades. This scoping literature review explores the development of palliative care in Finland and its societal impact, guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework. A total of 25 articles and grey literature sources were analyzed, revealing three key themes: the evolution and ethical foundations of palliative care in Finland, defining roles and enhancing communication, and equitable access and regional integration in palliative care. The review highlights the role of caregivers and shows that clear communication between caregivers, healthcare professionals, and patients is important to coordinating care and meeting various needs. Furthermore, it stresses the necessity of reducing regional disparities and improving access to palliative care, particularly for individuals without family caregivers. As Finland’s population ages, policies must focus on equitable care for individuals living alone to avoid over-reliance on relatives and uphold fundamental rights.