The Australian government has announced a substantial funding allocation of over $68 million for palliative care projects. This investment aims to enhance palliative care services in Australia by focusing on workforce education and training, as well as improving the overall quality of care provided. With the goal of benefiting individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families, this funding will support various initiatives, including education programs, awareness campaigns, and initiatives to increase palliative care support in rural and regional areas. Let's explore the details of this funding announcement and its potential impact on the palliative care landscape in Australia.

Overview:

• The Australian government has allocated over $68 million in funding for palliative care projects to enhance services in the country.

• Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses, addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

• Palliative care involves pain and symptom management, emotional and psychological support, communication and advance care planning, support for caregivers, and bereavement support.

• Palliative care-related hospitalisations in Australia increased by 23% between 2015-16 and 2020-21, with 50,000 specifically for palliative care.

• Medicare-subsidised specialist services for palliative care have increased by 35% from 2012-13 to 2021-22.

• The funding boost will enhance workforce education, improve the quality of care, increase support in rural and regional areas, and advanced care planning.

• The funding boost and additional initiatives aim to strengthen aged care, improve access to care and medications, grow the care workforce, and implement generational reforms in aged care.

• Tunstall Healthcare's connected care solutions contribute to enhancing the quality of life for individuals receiving palliative care in Australia.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a specialiSed approach to healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses, particularly those with life-limiting conditions. It provides comprehensive support to patients, their families, and caregivers, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

The primary goal of palliative care is to manage symptoms, relieve pain, and enhance overall well-being, aiming to maximise comfort and dignity for patients during their journey. It is not limited to end-of-life care but can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, working alongside curative treatments to ensure holistic support.

Palliative care encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and therapists. This collaborative effort ensures that patients receive personalised care tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds.

Key Aspects of Palliative Care

1. Pain and Symptom Management

Palliative care professionals are trained to effectively manage pain and alleviate distressing symptoms associated with the illness. This involves utilising various medications, therapies, and interventions to provide optimal comfort.

2. Emotional and Psychological Support

Palliative care addresses the emotional and psychological well-being of patients and their families, offering counseling, support groups, and guidance to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that arise during the illness.

3. Communication and Advance Care Planning

Palliative care promotes open and honest communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. It encourages discussions about treatment options, goals of care, and advance care planning to ensure patients' wishes are respected.

4. Support for Caregivers

Palliative care recognises the critical role of caregivers and provides them with guidance, respite, and support to cope with the demands of caregiving. This helps alleviate their burden and ensures they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones.

5. Bereavement Support

Palliative care extends support to families and caregivers after the loss of a loved one, offering bereavement services and counselling to help them navigate the grieving process.

By providing comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centered care, palliative care aims to improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with serious illnesses and their families.

Current State of Palliative Care in Australia

Palliative care plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive support and improving the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses in Australia. Let's take a closer look at the current state of palliative care and some key statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that shed light on its status.

Hospitalisations

In the 2020–21 period, there were a total of 90,700 palliative care-related hospitalisations in public and private hospitals across Australia. Among these hospitalisations:

• 50,000 were specifically for palliative care.

• 40,700 were categorised as other end-of-life care hospitalisations, where palliative care was provided but not explicitly recorded as the care type.

• Males accounted for 53% of these hospitalisations, with an average admission age of 74 years.

• 42% of hospitalisations had a principal diagnosis of cancer.

• 53% of the hospitalisations concluded with the patient passing away in the hospital.

• The average length of stay for palliative care-related hospitalisations was approximately 10 days, almost twice the length of stay for all overnight hospitalisations.

Over the period between 2015–16 and 2020–21, there was a notable 23% increase in palliative care-related hospitalisations, surpassing the growth rate of all hospitalisations during the same period.

Medicare-subsidised Specialist Services

In 2021–22, approximately 14,500 individuals received 69,100 palliative medicine attendance and case conference services subsidised by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Key statistics from this period include:

• 77% of these services were provided to individuals aged 65 and over, with 23% for those aged 85 years and older.

• On average, individuals received 4.8 services per year.

• 81% of services took place in consulting rooms or hospitals, while 6.3% occurred in other settings such as a person's residence, and 13% involved case conferences.

• The total benefits paid for these services amounted to $5.6 million, averaging $390 per person.

From 2012–13 to 2021–22, there was a 35% increase in the number of people receiving palliative medicine attendances/consultations. However, there was a decline of 13% in the number of individuals accessing these services in the 12 months leading up to 2021–22.

Medications

Palliative care-related prescriptions play a crucial role in managing symptoms and providing relief to patients. In 2021–22:

• There were 1.3 million palliative care-related prescriptions provided to 453,300 individuals.

• 79% of these prescriptions were for pain relief.

• 89% of palliative care-related prescriptions were prescribed by general practitioners.

Between 2017–18 and 2021–22, there was an 18% decline in the number of people dispensed with palliative care-related prescriptions. However, the number of prescriptions per person increased from 2.1 to 2.8 over this period.

Residential Aged Care

Among people accessing permanent residential aged care (PRAC) services, approximately 2.0% (4,800 individuals) were appraised as requiring palliative care in 2021–22. Some key figures related to this group include:

• 59% of individuals appraised as requiring palliative care were aged 85 years and over.

• 21% had cancer listed as the primary condition on their appraisal.

• 50% of those requiring palliative care in PRAC exited within 8 weeks of admission, compared to 7.9% for those not appraised as requiring palliative care.

How will the funding boost affect Palliative in Australia?

The substantial funding boost of over $68 million is expected to have a profound impact on the delivery and accessibility of palliative care services across the country. The allocation of funds towards workforce education, training, and quality improvement initiatives signifies the government's commitment to enhancing the overall palliative care experience for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Here's how the funding boost is expected to positively influence palliative care in Australia:

1. Enhanced Workforce Education and Training

A significant portion of the funding will be directed towards improving education and training programs for primary care, acute care, and aged care workforces. By equipping healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills, the quality of palliative care services is expected to improve significantly. This will ensure that healthcare providers have the expertise to effectively manage symptoms, relieve pain, and provide holistic support to patients and their families.

2. Improved Quality of Care

The funding will facilitate quality improvement initiatives for care providers, aiming to enhance the overall standards of palliative care. By implementing evidence-based practices and fostering continuous improvement, healthcare organisations and professionals will be better equipped to deliver person-centred care that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

3. Increased Support in Rural and Regional Areas

One of the key focuses of the funding is to increase palliative care support in rural and regional areas. These areas often face unique challenges in terms of access to healthcare services. By investing in resources and initiatives tailored to these communities, the funding boost aims to bridge the gap and ensure that individuals living in remote areas have equal access to quality palliative care.

4. Advancement of Advance Care Planning

The funding will encourage the uptake of advance care planning, promoting discussions about treatment options and end-of-life preferences. By raising awareness and providing resources for advance care planning, individuals will have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care, ensuring their wishes are respected and honoured.

5. Comprehensive Aged Care Support

A significant portion of the funding will be allocated to the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) service. This investment aims to improve the palliative care skills and advance care planning expertise of aged care providers and general practitioners caring for older Australians. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of aged care professionals, the funding boost will ensure that older Australians receive appropriate and tailored palliative care support.

With these strategic investments, the funding boost is set to improve the overall quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of palliative care services in Australia. It will provide individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families the necessary support, guidance, and comfort during their challenging journeys, regardless of their cultural background, geographical location, or preferred care setting. The Albanese Government's commitment to palliative care reflects their dedication to ensuring that all Australians receive the care they need to live well during these critical times.

Where is the funding from?

The significant funding of over $68 million comes from the Albanese Government. They have recognised the importance of enhancing palliative care services and have allocated funds to support workforce education, training, and improvements in quality care. This substantial investment demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive the care they need to live well, irrespective of their cultural background, geographical location, or preferred care setting.

With a clear vision aligned with the National Palliative Care Strategy, the Albanese Government aims to provide national leadership, education, and policy in the field of palliative care. By allocating this funding, they are taking proactive steps to implement the goals outlined in the strategy, working towards the overall improvement of palliative care services throughout the country.

What’s next for Palliative Care in Australia?

The future of palliative care in Australia holds promising developments, building upon the recent funding boost and additional initiatives aimed at improving access and quality of care. Alongside the allocated $68 million for palliative care projects, further advancements and reforms are on the horizon, ensuring that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive the support they need. Here's a glimpse of what's next for palliative care in Australia:

1. Strengthening Aged Care

As part of the funding allocation, an additional $15.9 million will be dedicated to the national End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) service. This investment aims to enhance the palliative care skills and advance care planning expertise of aged care providers and general practitioners caring for older Australians. By equipping these professionals with specialised knowledge, the quality of care for seniors will be further improved, addressing their unique needs and ensuring compassionate support throughout their palliative care journey.

2. Improved Access to Care and Medications

The recent funding boost aligns with initiatives funded in the recent Budget, aimed at enhancing access to palliative care. Measures include strengthening Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to provide better access to care and medications. These improvements will facilitate affordability and availability of essential palliative care treatments, ensuring that individuals can access the necessary support without financial barriers.

3. Growing the Care Workforce

Recognising the importance of a skilled and adequate care workforce, initiatives in the recent Budget will focus on growing the palliative care workforce. By investing in training, education, and recruitment efforts, more healthcare professionals will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality palliative care services. This growth in the care workforce will help meet the increasing demand for palliative care and ensure individuals receive comprehensive and person-centred support.

4. Generational Reforms in Aged Care

The government's commitment to generational reforms in aged care aligns with the vision for improving palliative care services. These reforms aim to transform the aged care sector, placing a stronger emphasis on person-centred care, improved quality standards, and greater accountability. Palliative care will be integrated into these reforms, ensuring that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive appropriate support and that their end-of-life preferences are respected.

With the combination of increased funding, improved access to care and medications, workforce growth, and generational reforms, the future of palliative care in Australia looks promising. These initiatives will pave the way for a more comprehensive and accessible palliative care system, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and providing invaluable support to their families and caregivers. The commitment of the Albanese Government to the advancement of palliative care reflects their dedication to ensuring that every Australian receives the care they need during challenging times.

How Tunstall Supports Palliative Care in Australia

Tunstall Healthcare, a leading provider of personal alarms and Connected Care devices, is committed to supporting palliative care in Australia. As an organisation dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of seniors, people living with disabilities, and their caregivers, Tunstall recognises the importance of palliative care in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

Tunstall's range of Connected Care solutions plays a significant role in supporting palliative care in Australia in the following ways. Tunstall offers personal alarm systems that enable individuals to call for help at the press of a button. These devices provide peace of mind to patients and their families, ensuring that help is readily available during times of distress or emergencies. This level of support allows individuals receiving palliative care to remain in their preferred care setting while maintaining a sense of independence and safety.

Tunstall recognises the critical role of caregivers in palliative care. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, and Tunstall's support extends to caregivers as well. By providing intuitive and user-friendly technology, Tunstall assists caregivers in managing the care of their loved ones effectively. This support helps alleviate caregiver stress and enhances their ability to provide compassionate care.

Through its innovative and tailored solutions, Tunstall Healthcare actively contributes to the advancement of palliative care in Australia. By empowering individuals, supporting caregivers, and enabling healthcare professionals with technology-driven solutions, Tunstall strives to improve the overall care experience and enhance the quality of life for those receiving palliative care. Contact us to learn more about our products and services.