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Palliative care burden and specialist service utilisation for individuals with cardiovascular disease in Australia: a national population-based observational study

Health

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death globally. In advanced stages, patients with CVD often require palliative care due to reduced health-related quality of life from physical, psychological and spiritual symptoms, along with physical disability. Objectives To investigate (1) the symptom and function burden of patients with CVD on their first admission to specialist palliative care services and (2) how these care burdens, and other clinical characteristics, affected patients’ utilisation of community-based versus inpatient services. Design A national population-based observational study using point-of-care outcomes sourced from the Australian palliative care outcomes and collaboration (PCOC). Settings Community-based and inpatient Specialist palliative care services across Australia registered in the PCOC.

BMJ     May 23, 2025