Estimating Palliative Care Needs in Aged Care
Author Information
Author(s): Humphrey Greer B., Inacio Maria C., Lang Catherine, Churches Owen F., Sluggett Janet K., Williams Helena, Morgan Deidre D., To Timothy H. M., Kellie Andrew, Wesselingh Steve, Caughey Gillian E.
Primary Institution: Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the potential palliative care needs among Australia's residential aged care population?
Conclusion
Over 90% of individuals dying in residential aged care may have benefited from a palliative approach to care, which is significantly underestimated by current assessments.
Supporting Evidence
- 92% of residents potentially had palliative care needs.
- Only 6% were assessed as needing palliative care by funding assessments.
- Dementia was the most common cause of death in the cohort.
Takeaway
Most people in aged care who are dying could really use better palliative care, but the current system doesn't recognize this need well.
Methodology
A population‐based retrospective cohort study using data from the Registry of Senior Australians for non‐Indigenous residents aged over 65 who died between 2016 and 2017.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in reporting causes of death and the narrow definition of palliative care in funding assessments.
Limitations
The study is limited to three Australian states and may not fully represent the national population.
Participant Demographics
62% female, median age at death 88 years, approximately 70% lived in major cities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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