Table 2.
Reviews that met inclusion criteria
| Reference | Objective | Methods | Number of articles included | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmed, et al. (2004)[21] | To determine problems and issues in accessing specialist palliative care. | Systematic review (1997-2003). Papers from non-UK sources included. |
40 |
9 |
| Bager, et al. (2009)[29] | To summarises the current research evidence on cultural issues relating to ethnicity in EoL care in care homes. | Non-systematic (narrative) review. |
44 |
N/A |
| Cox, et al. (2003)[22] | To consider the implications of culture on do-not-resuscitate decision-making and make recommendations for practice. | Systematic. Papers from non-UK sources included. |
34 |
4 |
| Eklan, et al. (2007)[19] | To explore the qualitative literature concerning the experiences of cancer service users from minority ethnic groups. | 'Critical'* review (1995-2005). Non-EoL articles included. |
25 (11 on EoL care) |
7 |
| Firth (2001)[25] |
To review the literature concerning minority ethnic groups and EoL care. | Non-systematic (narrative) review (1995-2001). Non-UK and non-EoL articles included. |
406 |
N/A |
| Gunaratnam, (2006)[28] | To draw attention to the palliative care needs and experiences of elders from minority ethnic groups. | Non-systematic (narrative) review. Papers from non-UK sources included. |
53 |
N/A |
| House of Commons Health Committee (2004)[27] | To examine the extent to which the needs and wishes of patients of different ages are taken into account, including their care choices, ethnicity, cultural and spiritual beliefs. | Report of the House of Commons fourth session on palliative care. |
65 (plus 20 oral statements) (8 pieces of evidence on minority ethnic groups; 4 written and 4 oral) | N/A |
| Johnson (2001)[26] |
To review the literature on palliative care, cancer and minority ethnic communities. |
Non-systematic (narrative) review (papers from a broader systematic review[47] included). Papers from non-UK sources included. |
12 (3 on EoL care) |
N/A |
| Jones (2005)[20] |
To explore the qualitative literature concerning EoL issues and ethnicity/race/diversity. | Systematic review. Papers from non-UK sources included. |
119 |
4 |
| Payne, et al. (2005)[24] | To explore Chinese cultural perspectives on EoL care. |
Systematic review. Papers from non-UK sources included. |
10 |
5 |
| Redman, et al. (2008)[23] | To explore the evidence concerning race, ethnicity, cancer and cancer services | 'Critical'* review. |
31 (eight on EoL care) |
7 |
| The Department of Health (2008)[30] | To provide evidence concerning the diversity of EoL experiences. |
Non-systematic (narrative) review and public consultation. | 23 (5 on 'race' and 2 on 'religion and belief') | N/A |
| Walshe, et al. (2009)[31] | To identify whether patients with different characteristics use community palliative care services in different ways. | Systematic (1997-2008). Papers from non-UK sources included. |
48 |
8 |
*Critical reviews took a systematic approach to the search procedure but reported only on selection of the articles retrieved.