National Consensus Statement

The Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care’s work on end of life care stemmed from their work in the recognising and responding to clinical deterioration program. They recognised that a significant proportion of patients who deteriorate in hospital are deteriorating because they are at the end of their lives, and that the care they receive may not always be appropriate.

Developing the National Consensus Statement

The National Consensus Statement: Essential elements for safe and high-quality end-of-life care was developed in partnership with health consumers and carers, experts in the field, representatives from public and private hospitals and health services, professional colleges, state and territory health departments, and other government health agencies. The Consensus Statement was endorsed by Australian Health Ministers in May 2015.

The Commission has also prepared information on how implementing the Consensus Statement can help organisations to provide evidence for accreditation against actions in the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

Further information

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: End-of-Life Care.