Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 1996
Catalonia WHO Demonstration Project on Palliative Care Implementation 1990-1995: results in 1995.
A global, comprehensive, publicly planned and financed program to implement palliative care was designed by the Department of Health of Catalonia (6 million inhabitants. Planned in collaboration with the cancer unit of the WHO in 1989, the program was implemented in 1990-1995. It included specific services, measures general resources, education and training, organizational and educational standards, opioid availability, legislation and evaluation. ⋯ Palliative care implementation has demonstrated efficacy in the care of the patients and families, efficiency in the provision of care, and cost-benefit in the regional global approach. It adds qualitative and organizational values to the health-care system. Its implementation must be prioritized and planned by the health administration, not only to improve the quality of care for advanced and terminal patients, but also to improve the global efficiency and appropriate use of resources in the public health system.