Feeding Dignity at End of Life: Addressing Inequalities and Cultural Needs in Food and Nutrition Provision for Palliative and End‑of‑Life Care in London
1
School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1397
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Food and nutrition play a critical role in maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life for people receiving palliative and end‑of‑life care (PEoLC). However, services across London remain uneven and often fail to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse communities, particularly migrant and ethnic minority populations. High levels of malnutrition among terminally ill individuals, fragmented care pathways, and limited culturally tailored support contribute to substantial inequities. Although most serious‑illness care takes place in community settings, nutrition provision remains largely institution‑centred, creating barriers to accessible, equitable, and person‑centred care.
METHODS:
This research uses a mixed‑methods design to evaluate food and nutrition provision in PEoLC across Greater London. D ata will be collected through JISC surveys, case studies, focus groups, interviews, and participatory learning and action (PLA) tools. These methods will map service pathways, identify systemic and cultural gaps, and support co‑design of a systems map and a small‑scale, culturally tailored nutrition intervention for diverse London communities.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings indicate fragmented referral pathways, inadequate community‑based nutrition support, and a lack of culturally appropriate dietary guidance for ethnically diverse populations. Stakeholders consistently highlight the need for personalised, community‑embedded nutrition services, improved communication tools, and stronger integration between formal and informal care structures. Early case study insights also reveal limited awareness of existing PEoLC nutrition resources and persistent unmet needs related to food insecurity, cultural food practices, and trust in services.
CONCLUSIONS:
This research will generate a comprehensive assessment of food and nutrition provision in PEoLC in London and co‑develop culturally informed, community‑grounded solutions. The findings aim to inform equitable policy and strengthen integrated, person‑centred end‑of‑life care that upholds dignity and quality of life.
Food and nutrition play a critical role in maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life for people receiving palliative and end‑of‑life care (PEoLC). However, services across London remain uneven and often fail to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse communities, particularly migrant and ethnic minority populations. High levels of malnutrition among terminally ill individuals, fragmented care pathways, and limited culturally tailored support contribute to substantial inequities. Although most serious‑illness care takes place in community settings, nutrition provision remains largely institution‑centred, creating barriers to accessible, equitable, and person‑centred care.
METHODS:
This research uses a mixed‑methods design to evaluate food and nutrition provision in PEoLC across Greater London. D ata will be collected through JISC surveys, case studies, focus groups, interviews, and participatory learning and action (PLA) tools. These methods will map service pathways, identify systemic and cultural gaps, and support co‑design of a systems map and a small‑scale, culturally tailored nutrition intervention for diverse London communities.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings indicate fragmented referral pathways, inadequate community‑based nutrition support, and a lack of culturally appropriate dietary guidance for ethnically diverse populations. Stakeholders consistently highlight the need for personalised, community‑embedded nutrition services, improved communication tools, and stronger integration between formal and informal care structures. Early case study insights also reveal limited awareness of existing PEoLC nutrition resources and persistent unmet needs related to food insecurity, cultural food practices, and trust in services.
CONCLUSIONS:
This research will generate a comprehensive assessment of food and nutrition provision in PEoLC in London and co‑develop culturally informed, community‑grounded solutions. The findings aim to inform equitable policy and strengthen integrated, person‑centred end‑of‑life care that upholds dignity and quality of life.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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