This report evaluates the implementation plan for the National Palliative Care Strategy (NPCS) released in 2018. It reviews progress on access, collaboration, advance care planning, data collection and provides recommendations for future improvement. It is not an evaluation of the NPCS.

Palliative care is care provided to individuals with life limiting illnesses. It can be provided in a variety of settings including community-based services, hospitals, residential aged care facilities and hospices. The purpose of the NPCS is to be used by all Australian governments, as well as organisations and individuals, to guide the improvement of palliative care across Australia so that people affected by life-limiting illnesses get the care they need to live well. The National Strategy provides a shared direction and an authorising environment for the continual improvement of palliative care services throughout Australia.

The methodology includes mixed method evaluation design, data collection and analysis; targeted stakeholder engagement; and practical and targeted review of literature and reports. The evaluation uses a realist lens to comprehensively explore the progress made against the implementation plan, as well as develop practical recommendations for future refinement of the Plan. Realist evaluation planning acknowledges that the measures may not have delivered similar outcomes across all contexts, particularly given the different approaches state and territory governments took to delivering on the implementation plan.

Key findings

• Access to palliative care has increased particularly for underserved populations.
• The collaboration and coordination of palliative care has improved.
• Advance care plans are being prepared by people affected by life-limiting illnesses and used to facilitate shared decision-making across care settings.