A multicultural perspective on conducting palliative care research in an Indian population in Australia

Australia’s population is culturally and linguistically diverse, with approximately one quarter of the population born overseas (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005). Health-care research must be culturally sensitive and due consideration given to the unique ethical, cultural, and other issues that may arise. Issues in palliative care research have become more complex as the options of care at the end of life develop in respect to the requirements of different cultures. This paper highlights the issues that arose when conducting a qualitative study of the needs and experiences of Indian families with a relative requiring palliative care, and also proposes strategies to address the ethical and methodological problems that may arise when researching this vulnerable population.