Scoping of Palliative Care Services in Queensland Project

Project dates:
Commenced: 2009
Completed: 2010

Increased need for palliative care services Queensland wide is expected in the future due in part to projected population growth and aging. The project aimed to measure the quantum of service provision within Queensland’s palliative care service system.  Data were collected from palliative care services operating within Queensland. As patients with a terminal condition need various levels of care throughout the course of their illness, many will be provided with palliative care health services from primary health care providers.

Data collected included: service boundaries; population serviced; bed numbers and configurations; ambulatory and consultancy services; service features; workforce volume and mix; model of care; education, research and quality assurance, components of service provision, service activities, and relevant information from primary health care providers (as reported by Divisions of General Practice); three major domiciliary (community) nursing service organisations; and aged care providers (as reported by Aged Care Queensland).

Project outcomes:

Findings were examined and benchmarked against the proposed Palliative Care Service Delivery Model. (Findings too extensive to summarise here)