Palliative and end-of-life care

Supporting high-quality palliative and end-of-life care across the Gold Coast

Health professionals from all disciplines play an essential role in delivering compassionate, person-centred palliative and end-of-life care. Whether working in hospitals, community health, aged care, general practice, allied health, or specialist services, collaborative care is fundamental to improving the quality of life of people with life-limiting illness and supporting their families and carers.

Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) supports health professionals by providing access to evidence-based resources, local referral pathways, education opportunities and initiatives that strengthen integrated, person-centred palliative care across the Gold Coast.

Clinical Resources

The following evidence-based resources support health professionals in delivering high-quality palliative and end-of-life care.

National Palliative Care Resource Library
A comprehensive collection of clinical resources, guidelines, decision-making tools and patient information developed by Palliative Care Australia.
https://palliativecare.org.au/resource-library/

Palliative Care Australia
Information, clinical resources, policy updates and a national directory of palliative care services.
https://palliativecare.org.au/

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care – End-of-Life Care
National Consensus Statements, guidance and resources supporting safe, high-quality end-of-life care across all healthcare settings.
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/clinical-topics/end-life-care

CareSearch
Evidence-based information and resources to support health professionals, patients, carers, and the broader community in making informed decisions about end-of-life care.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/

PalliAged
Evidence-based clinical guidance and practical resources supporting palliative and end-of-life care for older Australians, including symptom management tools.
https://www.palliaged.com.au/

Gold Coast Referral Pathways

Palliative and end-of-life care is delivered through collaboration between primary care, specialist services and community providers.

Health professionals can access local referral information and service directories through Gold Coast HealthPathways.

Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning supports people to consider and communicate their values, preferences and goals for future healthcare. Early conversations help ensure care aligns with a person’s wishes and supports shared decision-making across healthcare settings.

Health professionals are encouraged to initiate advance care planning discussions early and review documentation regularly throughout a person’s illness trajectory.

For information and resources, visit the GCPHN Advance Care Planning webpage:

https://gcphn.org.au/patient-care/advance-care-planning/advanced-care-planning/

For nationally recognised information, education and resources, visit Advance Care Planning Australia:

https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/

Compassionate Communities Gold Coast

Compassionate Communities is an international public health approach that acknowledges caring for people at the end of life is everyone’s responsibility.

GCPHN is working collaboratively with partners across the Gold Coast to support the development of Compassionate Communities and build community capacity around death literacy and end-of-life care.

To learn more about the Compassionate Communities movement visit:

https://compassionatecommunities.com.au/

To register your interest in receiving updates about Compassionate Communities Gold Coast initiatives and opportunities to become involved, complete the registration form below:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/UCHCtL0GeE

Education and Professional Development

Continuing professional development is essential to building confidence and capability in delivering quality palliative and end-of-life care across all healthcare settings.

The following organisations provide education and training opportunities for health professionals.

End-of-Life Essentials
Free online education modules designed for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals delivering end-of-life care.
https://www.endoflifeessentials.com.au/Education-Modules

CareSearch eLearning
A national portal providing curated palliative care education, online learning modules and professional development opportunities across a wide range of clinical topics.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/Health-Professionals/Health-Practitioner-Education/Health-Professional-Options/eLearning

Palliative Care Queensland
Education resources, workshops, webinars and clinical support information for Queensland health professionals.
https://palliativecareqld.org.au/

palliAGED
Evidence-based training resources to help the aged care workforce build skills and confidence in delivering quality palliative care across care settings.
https://www.palliaged.com.au/Supporting-Services/Training-and-Education

End of Life Directions for Aged Care
Information, guidance, and resources to health professionals and aged care workers to support palliative care and advance care planning to improve the care of older Australians.
https://www.eldac.com.au/

Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach
Palliative approach workshops and placements in palliative care services.
https://pepaeducation.com/

Upcoming education opportunities will be promoted through GCPHN communications channels.

Patient and Carer Resources

Health professionals can support patients, families and carers by directing them to trusted information and support services.

GCPHN Community Palliative Care Information
Information about palliative care, available services and support for the Gold Coast community.
https://gcphn.org.au/community/palliative-care/care-at-the-end-of-life/

Palliative Care Australia – Resource Library
Trusted information for patients, families and carers including practical guides, decision-making resources and bereavement information.
https://palliativecare.org.au/resource-library/

Palliative Care Australia – Information for Carers
Information and resources to support people caring for someone with a life-limiting illness.
https://palliativecare.org.au/im-a-carer/

Advance Care Planning Australia
Resources to help individuals and families understand advance care planning and complete advance care planning documentation.
https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/

Carer Gateway
National support service providing counselling, respite, practical advice and financial assistance for carers.
https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

My Aged Care
Information about aged care services, assessments and supports available to older Australians and their families.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/

National Palliative Care Service Directory
Search for palliative care services across Australia.
https://palliativecare.org.au/