Palliative and end-of-life care are concerned with the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual care of people with advanced disease and serious illness. They affect people in all societies, all countries, and are growing fields post-Covid. Changing demographics and treatments mean that people are living longer with serious illness and multiple conditions, often needing symptom control and complex care and support. Research in these areas present a particular challenge, both because of the ethical and practical difficulties inherent in working with very ill patients and their families, and because of the range of research questions considered to be within the domain of palliative care.

Building on the first edition, this book provides an introduction to research methods in the fields of palliative, supportive, and end-of-life care, and complex patients. Edited by six experienced palliative care academics with acknowledged expertise and international reputations in this field, this book is both authoritative and accessible. It encompasses methods used in both clinical and health services research, covering methodological theory, design, measures, and practice and case examples across the entire scope of research. The book has been fully updated and includes the latest developments such as use of big data and forming research collaborations.

This will be an essential methodological book for clinicians, academics, researchers and educators, and especially those undertaking a MSc, PhD, or early career researchers in palliative care and related fields.