The centrality of "family first" among Chinese migrants in determining experiences of palliative care: An integrative literature review.

To reduce the health inequalities, it is important to understand the experiences of Chinese migrants receiving palliative care. This study focuses on how health systems can enhance the cultural safety of palliative care for Chinese migrants. How do cultural values and migration experiences shape Chinese families' experience of palliative care? To review the evidence relating to the experiences of Chinese migrants and their families receiving palliative care. This integrative review included quantitative and qualitative studies reported in English. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis. An electronic database search of Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO was performed. Eleven papers were included. Thematic analysis identified four themes: self-isolation, far from help, sociocultural shifts experienced by migrants, and trust problems arising from migrant experience. These themes were underpinned by a common belief of "family first." With this core belief, patients and families make decisions that they believe will benefit the family. This review identifies the centrality of "family first" among Chinese migrants in determining experiences of palliative care. More research is needed to develop culturally appropriate palliative care services to support the growing global population of Chinese migrants.