The palliative care needs of adolescents and young adults with a life limiting condition: a systematic review

Abstract

Adolescence and young adulthood is characterised by complex developmental and psychosocial changes. The diagnosis of a life-limiting condition adds complexity and stress to this already turbulent period of life. Provision of developmentally appropriate palliative care to this group necessitates an understanding of the palliative care needs specific to this group. The aim of this study is to identify existing evidence about the palliative care needs of adolescents and young adults with a life-limiting condition (both cancer and non-cancer conditions). This systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched from time of inception until 18th December 2025. The databases searched included Pubmed, Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCO), Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and the Web of Science Core Collection. Articles were screened and extracted. Key themes were identified within and across articles. In total, twelve articles (nine qualitative and three quantitative studies) were included. Nine of the included studies focused on adolescents and young adults with cancer, while the remaining three studies focused on non-cancer conditions. Analyses generated five themes: (i) Shared core palliative care need domains, (ii) Parent and peer relationships, (iii) Normalcy, (iv) An adapted approach to communication and decision making, and (v) Continuity and coordination of health services. This systematic review outlines the evidence on palliative care needs specific to adolescents and young adults with a life-limiting condition. These findings will support advancement of developmentally appropriate palliative care supports for this group.