Improving the quality use of community palliative care medicines – Timely access to palliative care medicines can make a significant difference to the comfort and quality of life of people receiving palliative care. Ensuring these medicines are prescribed, supplied and used appropriately requires confidence, collaboration and coordination across the health workforce.
The Quality Use of Community Palliative Care Medicines Project is a national initiative working to improve the quality use of palliative care medicines in community settings. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the project brings together Palliative Care Australia, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Ageing Australia and caring@home to develop practical education, resources and tools for prescribers, pharmacists and aged care and community nurses.
As part of this work, Ageing Australia surveyed nurses working in residential aged care to better understand the challenges they face in delivering end-of-life care and identify the education and support that would have the greatest impact. More than 150 nurses from across Australia shared their experiences, providing valuable insight into both the strengths of the workforce and the barriers that continue to affect timely access to palliative care medicines.
What nurses told us
The survey found that aged care nurses are highly committed to providing quality end-of-life care and bring significant clinical experience to their roles. At the same time, it highlighted several areas where additional support could strengthen practice.
Respondents described delays caused by limited access to prescribers, after-hours challenges, delayed prescribing and difficulties obtaining medicines when required.
The survey also identified opportunities to build confidence in recognising people approaching the end of life, understanding the appropriate use of palliative care medicines and applying this knowledge in everyday clinical practice.
Importantly, nurses overwhelmingly expressed a desire for practical, accessible education. Short, case-based online learning was the preferred format and seen as the best way to support day-to-day practice.
Turning feedback into action
The survey findings directly informed the development of new online micro-credentials for nurses working in residential aged care.
The learning tools are being designed around the real-world challenges nurses face, with a focus on practical, case-based learning that can be applied directly to clinical practice.
By responding directly to the needs of the workforce, the micro-credentials support more consistent, evidence-based care and contribute to more confident and consistent practice in the quality use of palliative care medicines.
Looking ahead
The aged care nursing micro-credential is one component of the broader Quality Use of Community Palliative Care Medicines Project.
Development is well underway, and Ageing Australia will soon invite nurses working in residential aged care to register their interest ahead of its launch. This early interest campaign will help ensure the education reaches those who can benefit from it as soon as it becomes available.
Alongside the aged care nursing workforce, the project is also delivering education for community nurses and resources for pharmacists and prescribers to strengthen quality use of palliative care medicines across the healthcare system. Together, these initiatives aim to improve collaboration between healthcare professionals and support better experiences for people receiving palliative care and their families.
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This press release was first published on the Palliative Care Australia website and is republished here with permission.
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