Implemented Changes

In view of expected demographic changes during the next decades it must be expected that urgency of problems in this area will grow significantly and necessary changes must therefore be realized as soon as possible.

Basic assumptions underlying any improvement in the care for the dying are the following:

Experiences from abroad demonstrate that fundamental improvement in care for the terminally ill and dying is possible.
The key to this improvement is the development of modern palliative care.
In our country this development is obstructed by complex legislative, economic, political and social obstacles.

A review of areas where the need for change was found most pressing and a review of steps undertaken in those areas due to the project:

Education of health care providers and other caring professionals. Subjects of palliative care were included into the obligatory pre- and post-gradual curricula in medical school and nursing school study plans.
Influencing professionals, primary through their medical societies, to develop the subject of care for terminal stages of diseases belonging to the scope of their specialty to the level of recommended procedures, and include these in preparation for specialty boards.
Supporting local innovative projects. Testing various forms of care for the dying in different settings (models for improvement of the care in retirement homes and nursing homes, consulting teams in acute care hospitals, and above all, various models of home-care and specialized patient care centers including palliative care units in existing hospitals).
Following up and evaluating care for the terminally ill and dying. Following up the influence of the above listed innovative projects on the quality of care and an analysis of the economical parameters.
Development of home-based palliative care, which would include primary care physicians and existing health care and social services.
Utilization of proved methods from abroad and establishing close international cooperation in the field of care for the terminally ill and dying.
Ongoing popularization of the theme of care for the dying, support of the public discussion on this theme and promotion of possibilities of modern palliative care by media. Development of voluntary work in this area.