Table 4.

Inclusion criteria for literature review

Inclusion	Rationale
Published between 1990-2013	It was necessary to put time limits on the review. It was also determined that the majority of relevant literature was published during this period
English text	Due to budgetary constraints text other than English was excluded
Described the results of empirical research publications	Opinion or theoretical pieces were not included. It was determined that a more comprehensive review would be obtained if only empirical papers were used
Adults only	Palliative care and self care issues affecting children are different and palliative care services for adults and children are different, therefore only studies relating to adults were included