PP-32 Death literacy: a document analysis review of the United Kingdom’s’ four countries’ policies [Abstract]

Holland-Hart, Daniella ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1127-5152, Rogerson, Jennifer and Edwards, Michelle ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7432-2828 2026. PP-32 Death literacy: a document analysis review of the United Kingdom’s’ four countries’ policies [Abstract]. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 16 (S1) , p. A19. 10.1136/spcare-2026-MCRC.43

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Abstract

Introduction Death literacy is an emerging concept within academic and social spheres, reflecting increasing recognition that people need to be better prepared for death and dying. The extent to which death literacy is embedded in policies indicates how death and dying are framed and prioritised. Therefore, how ‘death literacy’ has been adopted in UK governments’ policies required exploration. Aims To analyse post 2015 UK state level (Westminster) and national (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) policies to explore how death literacy is framed. Methods A document analysis review of policies was conducted using the READ approach. UK and national governments’, and health services’ websites were searched. A thematic policy analysis was conducted, mapping to Noonan et al. 2016 four elements of death literacy (knowledge, skills, experiential learning, and social action). Findings are outlined in a narrative format. Results Initially 11063 records were screened, 59 documents were eligible for data extraction. and a final 22 papers were selected. Findings included that death literacy was not explicitly referenced in any policies despite key elements of death literacy being present. These components focused on knowledge and skills relating to death and dying, including public’, caregivers’ and professionals’ understanding of end-of-life processes, and social action through community support. Elements of experiential learning including coproduction of health services were only referred to minimally. Conclusion Death literacy components within UK policies focussed on the development of knowledge and skills through palliative and end-of-life care processes, predominantly relating to healthcare professionals’ skills. More emphasis on social action through public health and community approaches, and experiential learning may require cross-departmental policy development. Impact This review provides evidence regarding the extent to which death literacy is embedded in recent UK policies, and how future policies could incorporate death literacy more explicitly, with greater focus on social and experiential approaches.

Item Type:	Short Communication
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	2045-435X
Date of Acceptance:	28 November 2025
Last Modified:	27 May 2026 15:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187243

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