Research to fit us for the future

The current evidence-base for end of life policy in Australia is fragmented, drawing upon the records and findings of diverse agencies and services that contribute to and document various aspects of end of life events and care. An integrated body of evidence is required to inform comprehensive policies and strategies that will take us into the future. A major step toward integration could be achieved by consolidating a public health approach to end of life. Public health, according to the WHO, has a mandate to (1) assess and monitor the health of communities and populations to identify health problems and priorities: (2) ensure that all populations have access to appropriate and cost-effective care; and (3) devise public policies and actions to address local and national health priorities. These three mandates exist in tension. The first two draw upon demographic and epidemiological data, while the third applies these data through the strategies of health education, promotion and community development. In this workshop we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of both 'top down' epidemiological approaches and 'bottom up' health promotion and community development (health promoting palliative care) approaches to research and evidence. Through interactive work on some case studies we will    consider how these differing approaches can inform and strengthen one another. Finally, we will identify some priorities for developing national and local research agendas.