Approaching neuro-palliative care with historically minoritized groups in the United States: A literature review and actionable recommendations

Sahily Reyes-Esteves; Alvin Singh; Kylie Ternes; Adys Mendizabal

doi:10.1016/j.jns.2024.123333

Approaching neuro-palliative care with historically minoritized groups in the United States: A literature review and actionable recommendations

J Neurol Sci. 2024 Nov 30:468:123333. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123333. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Sahily Reyes-Esteves¹, Alvin Singh², Kylie Ternes², Adys Mendizabal³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
² Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
³ Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America. Electronic address: amendizabal@mednet.ucla.edu.

PMID: 39657441
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123333

Abstract

This review critically examines neuro-palliative care disparities in historically minoritized groups in the U.S., particularly in Asian, Black, and Latino communities. Addressing a gap in the 2022 American Academy of Neurology guidelines, this review synthesizes current literature and our clinical experiences as neurologists who identify as members of these communities in diverse care settings. We identify common barriers to palliative care access and acceptance, influenced by cultural heterogeneity, mistrust, and systemic disparities. The review offers targeted, actionable recommendations at the provider, healthcare system, and policy level to improve care and reduce disparities.

Keywords: Health disparities; Health services; Minority health; Neuropalliative care; Palliative care.

Publication types

Review