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Research findings provide the professional community with knowledge that enables to better understand healthcare interventions. Many authors point out that whilst these findings are valued, the findings are not always translated into healthcare practise. The purpose of the paper is to assess the applicability of the essential elements of an integrated palliative care system (IPCS) found in research into the practise of Osona Palliative Care System (OPCS).

The study used a qualitative methodology with a case study design. In total, 24 health professionals were interviewed in Osona for the research, and the results were analysed using deductive content analysis.

The study concludes that research findings can better be translated into specific contexts by incorporating the needs and characteristics of the system. The process could be a strategy for bridging the research–practise gap.

Combining the findings from the study and the findings found in the literature reviewed led to the creation of the IPCS-elements-blended model of research and practise. Such a kind of mixed model could be used in other studies seeking to overcome the research and practice gap.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a unified definition of integrated palliative care (IPC), and to identify the elements that facilitate or hinder implementation of an integrated palliative care system (IPCS).

A scoping review of the conceptualization and essential elements of IPC was undertaken, based on a search of the PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases. The search identified 79 unduplicated articles; 43 articles were selected for content analysis.

IPC is coordinated and collaborative across different health organizations, levels of care and types of providers. Eight key elements facilitate implementation of an IPCS: coordination, early patient identification, patient-centered services, care continuity, provider education and training, a standard implementation model and screening tool, shared information technology system, and supportive policies and funding. These elements were plotted as a “Circle of Integrated Palliative Care System Elements.”

This paper offers researchers an inclusive definition of IPC and describes the essential elements of its successful implementation.

This study provides evidence from researchers on five continents, offering insights from multiple countries and cultures on the topic of IPC. The findings of this thematic analysis could assist international researchers aiming to develop a standard evaluative model or assess the level of integration in a health care system’s delivery of palliative care.