A planning guide: developing a consensus document for palliative care service provision

Over the past 30 years, palliative care services have developed in an ad-hoc way in Australia and around the world. Community expectations for palliative care have grown in recent years. As palliative care has evolved, the World Health Organization definition of palliative care has changed substantially. The changes challenge those who are involved in planning, funding and provision of services to meet new expectations. Many services have not attracted adequate nursing, medical and allied health resources to provide interdisciplinary palliative care. A national consensus document (“a planning guide”) has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and organisations. It outlines the minimum needs for service provision, independent of fundholders and models of service delivery.Sydney, NS