Palliative Care Australia seeks more aged care input for survey

With just over 1,000 responses so far, Palliative Care Australia wants to see more industry participation as it calls on aged care and primary healthcare workers to share their insights in a landmark national survey that seeks to increase access to palliative care.

Launched six weeks ago, the Survey of the National Palliative Care Workforce Across Health and Aged Care Settings is for everyone who works or volunteers in any service that provides palliative care. 

Palliative Care Australia CEO, Camilla Rowland, said she is grateful for the detailed responses they have heard so far but more input from a range of industry stakeholders is still required. 

“Clearly those who value and see the growing demand for palliative care have important views to contribute,” she said.

“Those working in specialist palliative care have responded strongly, and we are very grateful for the insights they have shared, but we also need to hear from those working in GP clinics, community health centres, allied health, and aged care.

“The primary health and aged care sectors are key to meeting the growing need for palliative care as our population ages – we want to hear about the barriers and opportunities in rising to that challenge so that we can present solutions to governments at a state and federal level.”

So far about 16% of respondents work in the aged care sector, while a further 11% are in primary healthcare. 

Recent Federal Government investments saw more funding dedicated to the Comprehensive Palliative Care in Aged Care (CPiAC) program that supports new and advanced ways of providing palliative care and end-of-life care. The Palliative Aged Care Outcomes Program (PACOP) and Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) also received funding.

These programs have helped embed palliative care services in many aged care settings.

Additionally, Palliative Care Australia wants to hear from those who want to deliver palliative care but feel held back or restricted. 

“What are the barriers within primary health and aged care that stop GPs, nurses, allied health, and support staff delivering palliative care during a critical phase of life?” Ms Rowland added.

The survey will stay open until a statistically valid number of responses have been received from across the country.

“But given there is a federal election due at any time between now and early 2025, we are keen to collect and analyse the data ASAP so that we can be ready to help shape election policy and priorities,” Ms Rowland said.

“We want to make sure that palliative care is at the centre of the next round of health and aged care reforms.”