Overview

Palliative care aims to prevent and relieve suffering and improve the quality of life of people (adults, children and their families) facing problems associated with life-limiting illness. Palliative care can be delivered in almost all settings where health care is provided, by a wide range of health and community providers, is not limited to any specific condition, can be delivered at any stage of illness, and can accompany curative treatments.

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Latest findings

1.17 million palliative care-related prescriptions were provided to 514,700 people in 2020–21

77,000 MBS-subsidised palliative medicine specialist services were provided in 2020–21

86,900 hospitalisations were palliative care-related in 2019–20

88% of palliative care unstable phases (urgent needs) were resolved within 3 days or less in 2021