This is the first national study to examine palliative health service use across multiple settings (hospital and community) and by patient characteristics (sociodemographic and diagnosis) for a population receiving specialist palliative care and a population in need of palliative care. This retrospective study of health service use (specialist palliative care and other services) in the last year of life for people who have died from predictable deaths, using linked data, aims to increase our understanding of service provision for these populations. This information can be used to assist with the delivery of health services, including identifying where disparities may exist and for whom regarding provision of specialist palliative care and other services.
- Cat. no: HWI 138
Findings from this report:
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The population in need of palliative care captured 80% of all predictable deaths in 2019–20
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Most Specialist Palliative Care was received around 15 days before death, 3 to 4 months is suggested for maximum benefit
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Cancer is responsible for 1 in 2 deaths in the Specialist Palliative Care population
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Receipt of Specialist Palliative Care is similar across remoteness categories and socioeconomic areas