Moving beyond the anecdotal. Identifying the need for evidence-based research in hospice and palliative care.

The paucity of research in hospice and palliative care has resulted in the absence of a sound, scientific foundation for clinical practice. Most clinical practice performed in this area has not received systematic evaluation and therefore lacks scientific credibility. Many barriers exist, however, that present unique challenges for research with patients and families who have life-limiting illness. Evaluation of key components for the successful performance of interdisciplinary research and integration in clinical settings are explored.