Healthcare system reform Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Healthcare system reform - Essay Example The treatment should focus on relieving the symptoms experienced by the individual, and providing emotional and practical support to the family and carers (Abbey, 2006). Workforce, training and integration of services have been major barriers in the provision of quality end of life care. This has been recognized and general practice and specialist palliative care linkages with residential aged care facilities are being developed (Palliative Care Australia, 2008). The quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illness and their families could be improved by a palliative approach. The aim of palliative approach is to reduce suffering by early identification, assessment and treatment of individuals, with needs in areas such as pain, physical, cultural, psychological, social, and spiritual. The approach could be beneficial in reduction of individuals and families potential distress, by the provision of sufficient information to facilitate the decision making process. The approach is most effective when provided by a multidisciplinary team, and could be provided in a surrounding that the individual is familiar and comfortable in. Advance care planning requires systematic implementation, including communication between individuals, family and care givers. Educational programs for care team and individuals on a regular basis increase the probability of plans being completed and implemented. Comprehensive advance care plans should include re gular assessments and responding to changes in resident’s health (The National Palliative Care Program, 2006). Our vision for the provision of quality care at the end of life is to satisfy the needs of individuals, and commitment to necessary action for achievement of quality care. We plan a service delivery based on needs, supporting the individual’s appropriate choice of place for delivery of service, development of workforce including education and training, greater service integration for continuity of care,