The National Palliative Care Strategy 2018

In February 2019 the Australian Government released an updated National Palliative Care Strategy 2018. The new strategy builds on the previous 2010 National Palliative Care Strategy and its evaluation in 2016 (1.30MB pdf). It was developed through extensive consultation with government and community members and has an accompanying Implementation Plan.

Guiding principles of the Strategy

The 2018 National Palliative Care Strategy has six guiding principles which are fundamental to ensuring all people experience the palliative care they need. These principles are:

• Palliative care is person-centred care
• Death is a part of life
• Carers are valued and receive the care they need
• Care is accessible
• Everyone has a role to play in palliative care
• Care is high-quality and evidence-based.

Goals of the Strategy

The Strategy has seven goals with associated priority statements for achieving each goal. These goals are:

• Understanding: People understand the benefits of palliative care, know where and how to access services, and are involved in decisions about their own care.
• Capability: Knowledge and practice of palliative care is embedded in all care settings.
• Access and choice: People affected by life-limiting illnesses receive care that matches their needs and preferences.
• Collaboration: Everyone works together to create a consistent experience of palliative care across care settings.
• Investment: A skilled workforce and systems are in place to deliver palliative care in any setting.
• Data and evidence: Robust national data and a strong research agenda strengthen and improve palliative care.
• Accountability: National governance of this Strategy drives action.