The Ontario Palliative Care Network has launched the Palliative Care Health Services Delivery Framework, recommendations for a model of care to improve palliative care in Ontario.
The Delivery Framework is a model of care for adults with a life-limiting illness who are living at home or in community settings and their families/caregivers. It's designed to enable care to be delivered according to the quality standard for Palliative Care. The goal of the Delivery Framework is for the palliative care needs of patients, families and caregivers to be met in a timely and effective way, allowing them to experience care at home as long as possible, if that is their choice.
Unanimously endorsed by the four OPCN Partners – CCO, LHINs, Health Quality Ontario and the Quality Hospice Palliative Care Coalition of Ontario – and the result of 18 months of system-wide engagement, the model’s 13 recommendations reflect the best evidence, and collective expertise of our many provincial, regional and local community partners. The 14 Regional Palliative Care Networks, interdisciplinary healthcare providers from across the province, healthcare organizations at the provincial and local levels, and patients and family/caregivers played a key role in shaping the Delivery Framework. Their shared commitment and active participation will be crucial in realizing its successful implementation.
In addition to the Delivery Framework, the OPCN is releasing the following companion resources:
- Tools to Support Earlier Identification for Palliative Care
- Ontario Palliative Care Competency Framework
- Goals of Care Resources for patients and providers will help start conversations that make sure treatment decisions align with a patient’s wishes, values, and beliefs for their care. The resources are available on the OPCN website under “Resources” – “Palliative Care Toolkit”.