Is there a research paradigm for palliative care?

The question of whether a coherent tradition in research and research methods (or paradigm) exists in palliative care is explored in this paper through an examination of the discussion and debate surrounding palliative care; attempts at achieving consensus for research through priority setting exercises; and a crititical review of published research in palliative care accessed through a systematic review of studies. The findings of this systematic review of 384 published studies are reported. It appeared from the review that both the subjects employed for study and methods used are disparate, and that research to date has been preoccupied with describing activities and problems in palliative care, reflecting an emergent and new field of work, rather than actively evaluating existing and new approaches to care. More creativity in palliative care research is needed, and the future of palliative care research needs to be determined strategically. A model on which such a strategy might be based is presented.