Abstract

This review supplements the NICE Supportive and Palliative Care Guidance, which is based mainly on quantitative evidence and largely eschews financial issues. An electronic keyword search was performed and relevant grey literature was sought. A small body of diverse literature was found. Themes include a lack of information/advice, the complexity of benefit claims forms, the struggle involved in claiming benefits, the poor fit between benefit rules and the trajectory and treatment of cancer, benefit advisers’ actions and cancer-specific knowledge, and health/social care professionals’ knowledge of and roles in benefit claims. There is little emphasis on financial issues not related to benefits, patients with specific types of cancer, services for carers, the impact of language and culture, and the perspectives of Department of Work and Pensions staff. Recommendations for policy, practice and research are made. (completed 2005)