Strategies for promoting interorganisational linkages between palliative care services and teams and aged care providers: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND: Global ageing is expected to increase demand for palliative care services. As older people remain underserved by these services, interorganisational strategies that support integrated, person-centred care delivery are needed. AIM: To identify elements of, and outcomes related to, interorganisational linkages in the context of palliative care services and teams, aged care providers and consumers (older people and their informal carers). DESIGN: Systematic review with narrative synthesis. Studies were independently dual quality appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and CareSearch were searched 2000-August 2025. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed original research (except single-case studies) reporting interorganisational linkage strategies connecting palliative care services/teams and aged care providers. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies (across 37 publications) were included. Interorganisational linkage strategies were grouped as: (1) Designated Linkage Workers, (2) Communication Pathways, and (3) Collaborative Care Processes. Outcomes were reported for aged care providers (such as strengthened interprofessional communication) and their staff (increased confidence), health systems (reduced acute care utilisation), and for older people who were nearing the end of life (less symptom distress). Self-reported outcomes for consumers (improved quality of life) were minimally reported. Twelve models of care were reported using components across all three linkage categories. CONCLUSION: Three key elements of interorganisational linkage strategies were identified. Strategic implementation of interorganisational linkage strategies can enhance cross-sector collaboration, support care integration, and improve outcomes for consumers, aged care providers, and the health system generally.