A Scoping Review: Palliative and End-of-Life Care Needs of Unhoused Individuals

This scoping review examines current empirical, peer-reviewed literature regarding the unhoused population and professionals who serve them, including what interventions have been tested so far. The study followed a PRISMA-ScR checklist protocol, conducting a systematic review sharply focused only on unhoused populations and palliative care-related needs. Of an initial screening of 157 articles, 79 were selected as part of the final review. Evidence of what is needed to support this population, and some promising interventions exist, but there remains a very limited number and scope. A substantial need is apparent for (1) expanded evaluation of interventions, (2) systematic assessment of cost implications, and (3) multi-site, interdisciplinary studies that link housing, health, and palliative care outcomes.