Summary
A comparative study of palliative care across 80 countries by the Economist Intelligence Unit has declared that end-of-life care in the UK can be ranked the best in the world. The UK was ranked first due to comprehensive national policies, integration of palliative care in the NHS, our strong hospice movement, and positive community engagement.
Wealthy countries were clustered at the top of the league. Australia and New Zealand were ranked second and third respectively. Income levels tend to be a strong indicator of the availability and quality of palliative care, although some examples of good practice in poorer countries are cited.
This international survey was commissioned by the Lien Foundation of Singapore.
Reference
Triggle, N. (2015). UK end-of-life care ‘best in world’. London: BBC Health News, October 6th 2015.
Further BBC News analysis:
Reference
Pym, H. (2015). Quality of Death Index – something to celebrate? London: BBC Health News, October 6th 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
The 2015 Quality of Death Index: ranking palliative care across the world. A report by The Economist Intelligence Unit. London: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), September 22nd 2015.
UK Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care
One challenge remains in the UK:
“How do we deliver consistently compassionate and effective support for dying people and their families in all settings?”
Reference
Achieving shared ambitions for end of life care – Dr Ros Taylor. London: NHS England, October 7th 2015.
One month ago, the “Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care” report defined the principles for achieving more consistent end of life care in UK hospitals, care homes and hospices.
Reference
New ambitions for end of life care. London: Care Quality Commission, September 9th 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
Ambitions for palliative and end of life care: a national framework for local action 2015-2020. London: National Palliative and End of Life Care Partnership, September 9th 2015.
Positive CQC Hospice Ratings
90% of England’s hospices inspected so far by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have been rated as “good” or “outstanding”.
Reference
Hospice inspections show most are ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. London: BBC Health News, October 10th 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
Most hospices are ‘Good’ or better, says CQC. London: Care Quality Commission, October 10th 2015.
October 2018 Update: End-of-Life Care in Care Homes
The Care Quality Commission found that staff shortages and inadequate training may sometimes result in unacceptable end-of-life care for the elderly in care homes.
Reference
Bloch-Budzier, S. (2018). Let down by ‘agonising’ end-of-life care. London: BBC Health News, October 24th 2018.
