Lecturer in Palliative Care, University of Athens, Athens, Greece Research is a process of systematic enquiry that leads to knowledge stated in propositions. Research generally begins with a hypothesis or prediction about behaviour drawn from a theory. In areas in which there is little or no existing theory, it starts with a research question. In health science research, this enquiry involves an element of observation of, or interaction with, people in order to offer empirical evidence for the research conclusions. Key points It is important to consider alternatives to orthodox approaches, which do justice to the humanity of all those involved in the research endeavour.
Human enquiry is about exploring and making sense of human action and experience.
Human enquiry is based firmly in the experience of those it claims to understand, it involves collaboration between researcher and subjects. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief description of some aspects of the development and current status of palliative care in Canada. Origins of Canadian palliative care Palliative care developed in Canada during the 1970s, following the British Hospice Movement. The administrative arrangements of the first two programmes in Canada, however, were significantly different from those of their British counterparts. Furthermore, both were funded by the public healthcare system.