Learning modules
Activity 11: Palliative Care Australia's Standards
Palliative Care Australia has standards that describe the dimensions and elements of quality of care for all Australians.
They provide an important framework for all health care professionals involved in caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. [1]
These standards are based on values and principles of dignity, empowerment, compassion, equity, respect, advocacy, excellence and accountability.
They define standards for health care professionals in generalist or primary care settings and for specialist care. The standards are, therefore, relevant for all health care professionals, not just specialist palliative care services.
Achieving quality palliative care requires access to and use of current evidence. CareSearch is a comprehensive online resource that brings together evidence-based and quality information for many groups within the palliative care community, including students. [2]
REFERENCES
1. Palliative Care Australia. (2005). Standards for Providing Quality Palliative Care for all Australians. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from www.palliativecare.org.au/portals/46/resources/
StandardsPalliativeCare.pdf
2. CareSearch. (2011). Caresearch Home Page. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from www.caresearch.com.au
Video
William's story
Thinking points
Thinking points
Activity 11: Palliative Care Australia's standards
- Review Standard 1 of Palliative Care Australia's Standards for providing Quality Palliative Care for all Australians. It states that 'care, decision-making and care planning are each based on a respect for the uniqueness of the patient, their caregiver/s and family'.
- Reflect on the specific strategies that you, as a beginning health care professional, would apply in your practice to meet this standard when caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families?
- Visit the CareSearch website, select 'Constipation' and 'Spirituality' and review the strongest evidence for both of these topics. Write down the key points from these articles.
