OP-5 Systematic review of adult patient and informal caregiver experiences in virtual or remote palliative care

Introduction The development of virtual and remote palliative care models could help move care from hospital and meet needs at home. While virtual care may reduce travel burden, concerns remain about appropriateness and inequity. Most research focuses on clinical outcomes, leaving important questions about patient and family experiences unanswered. Understanding how patients and families experience these models is essential. Aims Synthesise existing evidence on adult palliative care patients’ and informal caregivers’ first-hand experiences of virtual or remote palliative care and identify recommendations for delivery. Methods Systematic review using narrative synthesis of studies published in English between 2020 and 2025. Databases were searched for qualitative or mixed-Methods studies exploring virtual or remote palliative care experiences among adult patients and informal caregivers. Results Twenty-six studies from sixteen countries were included. Social, emotional and existential aspects are central to palliative care, yet most research emphasises practical and clinical issues. Virtual care can enhance access and autonomy, but barriers persist, including digital literacy gaps, infrastructure limitations, cultural disparities and challenges sustaining human connection. Recommendations highlight person-centred approaches, robust training, user-friendly technology and hybrid models. Conclusion Virtual and remote palliative care can extend reach of services and patient comfort. Patients may benefit from convenient access and family involvement, although opinions on privacy vary. Socio-demographic, cultural, and practical disparities remain and flexible hybrid models should be explored with stakeholder engagement. Impact Policy should: strengthen digital infrastructure, subsidise access for disadvantaged communities, and encourage standards for culturally sensitive communication. Research should: improve demographic inclusion, standardise terminology, prioritise holistic needs and co-design with patients and caregivers. We recommend that practitioners: start with face-to-face care, introduce user-friendly digital options, share sensitive news in-person where possible and prioritise staff training. In moving palliative care from hospital to home, technology should complement - not replace - compassionate care.