The overlooked palliative care needs of people with severe mental illness

Implications for practice and research ► Mental health nurses require greater preparation in advance care planning, symptom management and end-of-life communication to support people with severe mental illness and dementia.► Future research should evaluate integrated palliative care models within mental health settings across diverse healthcare systems and patient populations. ContextPeople living with severe mental illness and dementia often experience poorer physical health, shorter life expectancy and reduced access to palliative care services.1 2 Palliative care aims to improve quality of life through symptom management, psychosocial support and person-centred end-of-life care. 1 However, patients within mental health services frequently encounter barriers such as stigma, fragmented healthcare systems and delayed recognition of physical deterioration. 2 As populations age and dementia rates rise, demand for palliative care continues to increase. 1 Despite this, mental health services rarely provide comprehensive end-of-life care.This review addresses an important gap by examining palliative care delivery within mental health nursing settings.