Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) is a known risk factor for reduced life expectancy and earlier onset of diseases. In this study, researchers carried out a systematic review of studies that reported an association between any measure of SEP—including income, education, occupation, or housing—and healthcare received by adults in their last year of life. 209 studies were included in the review, including data on 142 outcomes in people from North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Compared to people living in the least deprived neighborhoods, those living in the most deprived neighborhoods were more likely to die in the hospital than at home , more likely to receive acute hospital based care in the last three months of life, and less likely to receive specialist palliative care. The least educated people were also less likely to receive specialist palliative care. Specialist palliative care is known to reduce symptoms and improve well-being.

Lead author Joanna Davies from the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation at King's said: “These findings should stimulate widespread efforts to reduce socioeconomic inequality towards the end of life.

“We recommend that all research on care received towards the end of life should attempt to account for SEP; end of life care interventions should be analysed for their different effects across the social strata; and the planning and provision of end of life care services should consider SEP in local populations.”

The full paper is available online.