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Palliative Care Research Special Interest Groups

AIIHPC has launched four palliative care research special interest groups to provide a collaborative, multi-disciplinary space for members to develop practice-changing research in their focus area. This follows a consultation process with members to identify and prioritise suitable topic area:

  • Dementia and Palliative Care Group
  • Psychological, Social and Spiritual Care Group
  • Technology and Palliative Care Group
  • Children’s Palliative Care


Members include researchers, health and social care professionals, policy makers, patient and public involvement contributors, and more – drawn from across AIIHPC’s networks and member organisations, and across the Island of Ireland.

If you have an interest in one of these topics and would like to connect with people working in this area, and contribute to collaborative research, please click on the relevant group below to find out how to become a member.

Please find the link to the members area for the Special Interest Groups here and find instructions for how to log on here.

Children’s Palliative Care Group

Children’s palliative care is a holistic approach that supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs to enhance their quality of life, and this group includes people who are interested in research in children’s palliative care.

Professor Veronica Lambert, Dublin City University Group Chair, and Research Assistant Professor Samantha Simith, Trinity College Dublin, Group Vice Chair

Dementia and Palliative Care Group

Many people do not realise that dementia is a terminal illness, and this group includes people who are interested in research in dementia and palliative care.

Dr Siobhán Fox, University College Cork, Group Chair and Prof Nicola Cornally, University College Cork Group Vice Chair.

Psychological, Social and Spiritual Care Group

Psychological, social, and spiritual care are part of palliative care practice, and this group includes people who are interested in research to increase learning and engagement in this type of care.

Dr Barry Quinn, Queen’s University Belfast, Group Chair and Dr Naill Galligan, Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services Group Vice Chair.

Technology and Palliative Care Group

Advancing digital technologies are impacting all areas of healthcare, and this group includes people who are interested in research to explore how technology can be used in palliative care.

Dr Frances Cleary, South East Technological University, Group Chair and Prof Mary Lynch, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Group Vice Chair.