Ottawa – Palliative care services are an important part of the health care system, and can improve the quality of life and overall health of many people with a serious illness. Many Canadians find it difficult to discuss serious illness, death, dying and end-of-life care with their loved ones and health care providers. These conversations will be made easier by developing the communication skills of providers and empowering patients with information. This will allow patients to access a palliative approach to care earlier in their illness journey, providing them with the support and resources they need to manage their symptoms, alleviate their suffering, and improve their physical and mental health.
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced $2.4 million in funding over three years to McMaster University to design programs and education materials to encourage earlier access to palliative care. Through this funding, researchers will be able to work with health care providers, patients, and those close to them as well as communities and organizations to co-create solutions that address diverse needs and lived experiences, ensuring that the resources are informed by their invaluable perspectives and insights.
The Government of Canada’s Action Plan on Palliative Care aims to improve quality of life for people living with serious illness, enhance access to palliative care, and improve quality of care and health care system performance. McMaster University’s project supports the goals of the Action Plan and is another important step to improve palliative care skills and supports for health care providers, patients and their loved ones, caregivers and communities. These resources will aim to raise awareness and understanding of advance care planning and palliative care, and foster improved access to a palliative care approach for underserved populations.
The Government of Canada continues to work with provinces and territories, organizations, people living with serious illness, caregivers, and communities to put in place key supports that will improve the quality and availability of palliative care for everyone in Canada, including those who are most vulnerable.
“Seeking earlier access to palliative care can improve quality of life for those living with a serious illness. We are pleased to support McMaster University in helping to equip health care providers, patients and those close to them, with practical tools to help them make important decisions during difficult times. Canada’s Action Plan on Palliative Care aims to improve access to a palliative approach to care in a variety of health care settings. We have come a long way in our vision for palliative care in Canada and projects like these are critical to making that happen.” – Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health