The Role of Health Literacy and Care Pathways in the Provision of Palliative Care and Patient-Centred Care: A Discussion Paper

AbstractPalliative care is more than end-of-life care. It addresses the well-being of patients living with a disease across physical, psychological, social, and existential dimensions. Aligned with the principles of palliative care, patient-centred care is defined as “providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values”. As such, both palliative and patient-centred care are undoubtedly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities. Despite recommendations from the WHO and others for its integration throughout the healthcare continuum, palliative care is still commonly perceived as end-of-life care only and is not routinely integrated. This misconception along with social, economic, commercial, and organisational barriers impede its seamless integration in health care. Health literacy is crucial to correct misconceptions and empower patients and caregivers to advocate for appropriate care contributing to good health and reduced inequalities.In this chapter, we explore how health literacy can be improved, how individual tailoring of the clinical communication according to the patient’s health literacy can ensure that the patient voice is heard, and the role of standardised care pathways as a proposed strategy to ensure quality cancer care with integrated palliative care. Finally, we will present the MyPath project as a potential solution to improved care in patients with cancer. By developing digital patient-centred care pathways and supporting the communication and clinical interactions between the healthcare providers, the patient, and caregivers, MyPath will take into account the patient’s health literacy and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.