Why Black, Hispanic, and Asian Patients Hesitate to Opt for Palliative Care
A new study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine sought to understand why Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients may hesitate to accept palliative care when it's offered to them. The researchers uncovered two “deep metaphors” (universal, foundational ways of thinking outside of conscious awareness), shaping how they make sense of their experiences: “inside/outside,” reflecting feelings of simultaneous inclusion and exclusion from both community and the medical system, and “home,” symbolizing belonging and safety. These insights highlight the importance of outreach and clinician communication that convey trust and inclusion—showing patients that palliative care can offer a sense of “home” within a system that has not always felt welcoming.