End of life care for adults

Quality statements

Statement 1 Adults who are likely to be approaching the end of their life are identified using a systematic approach. [2011, updated 2021]

Statement 2 Adults approaching the end of their life have opportunities to discuss advance care planning. [new 2021]

Statement 3 Adults approaching the end of their life receive care that is coordinated between health and social care practitioners within and across different services and organisations. [2011, updated 2021]

Statement 4 Adults approaching the end of their life and their carers have access to support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [2011, updated 2021]

Statement 5 Carers providing end of life care to people at home are supported to access local services that can provide assistance. [new 2021]

In 2021 this quality standard was updated and statements prioritised in 2011 were updated (2011, updated 2021) or replaced (new 2021). For more information, see update information.

Statements from the 2011 quality standard for end of life care for adults that are still supported by the evidence may still be useful at a local level. The 2011 quality standard on end of life care for adults is available as a pdf.