Palliative care initiatives launched in Australia and the UK

New initiatives in Australia and the United Kingdom are focusing on improving palliative care through data integration and early intervention.

In Australia, a research project led by Lara McIntyre at Catholic Healthcare and Flinders University is investigating how routinely collected clinical and lifestyle data can be used to better recognize end-of-life care needs in residential aged care. The study aims to move away from viewing data as separate points to create a holistic story for residents, helping staff plan ahead and avoid abrupt deaths. The four-year project is supported by a $240,000 National Industry PhD Program grant.

In the United Kingdom, the charity Marie Curie has launched a two-year trial at North Middlesex University Hospital in London. Specialist palliative care nurses and consultants are being placed within the accident and emergency (A&E) department to identify patients with palliative needs earlier in their hospital journey. The goal is to improve clinical decision-making, coordinate appropriate care, and provide wraparound social and clinical support to prevent unnecessary hospital stays.