As the average age of the Canadian population increases, so too will the demand for hospice palliative and end-of-life services. Only 16% to 30% of Canadians who die currently have access to or receive hospice palliative and end-of-life care services – depending on where they live in Canada. Even fewer receive grief and bereavement services.
How can we prepare for this increase in demand? And how can we ensure that Canadians receive the best possible end-of-life care?
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians of Canada is currently considering a two-year subspecialty in palliative medicine, which would train physicians in this growing field. A one-year program has been offered by various academic instructions in Canada, however; it did not include specialty recognition. The proposed two-year subspecialty would, according to a recent article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, result in specialist recognition. This type of recognition is vital, as it would likely entice additional physicians to continue their education in palliative medicine.
With advances, like the one proposed to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians, Canada’s healthcare system will hopefully be more able to adequately respond to the increased need for hospice palliative and end-of-life services in the coming years.
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