ABSTRACT
This chapter explores an egalitarian perspective in relation to loss and grief. An egalitarian approach favors the concept of equality, such as a belief that people should be treated as equals. The chapter describes two case scenarios to "flesh out" how inequities can be manifest in the context of loss and grief. Before attempting to remediate inequities in choices, power, and access to care relevant to the end of life, it is important to understand the different levels in which barriers may occur. The common cultural barriers in end-of-life care arise from cultural differences between patients/families and health care providers, and the insensitivity of providers to these differences. Individual barriers to accessing care include discriminatory attitudes and practices by individual care providers, whereby individuals experience barriers because specific health care providers treat them differently. Reflective practice enables professionals to understand how they use their knowledge in practical situations and how they combine action and learning in a more effective way.
