Service provider organisation—level of service delivery, palliative care code N

Guide for use:

CODE 1 Primary palliative care

Capability: Clinical management and care coordination including assessment, triage, and referral using a palliative approach for patients with uncomplicated needs associated with a life limiting illness and/or end of life care. Has formal links with a specialist palliative care provider for purposes of referral, consultation and access to specialist care as necessary.

Typical resource profile: General medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, generalist community nurse, aboriginal health worker, allied health staff. Specialist health care providers in other disciplines would be included at this level.

CODE 2 Specialist palliative care level 1

Capability: Provides palliative care for patients, primary carers and families whose needs exceed the capability of primary palliative care providers. Provides assessment and care consistent with needs and provides consultative support, information and advice to primary palliative care providers. Has formal links to primary palliative care providers and level 2 and/or 3 specialist palliative care providers to meet the needs of patients, carers and families with complex problems. Has quality and audit program.

Typical resource profile: Multi–disciplinary team including medical practitioner with skills and experience in palliative care, clinical nurse specialist/consultant, allied health staff, pastoral care and volunteers. A designated staff member if available, coordinates a volunteer service.

CODE 3 Specialist palliative care level 2

Capability: As for level 1, able to support higher resource level due to population base (e.g. regional area). Provides formal education programs to primary palliative care and level 1 providers and the community. Has formal links with primary palliative care providers and level 3 specialist palliative care services for patients, primary carers and families with complex needs.

Typical resource profile: Interdisciplinary team including medical practitioner and clinical nurse specialist/consultant with specialist qualifications. Includes designated allied health and pastoral care staff.

CODE 4 Specialist palliative care level 3

Capability: Provides comprehensive care for the needs of patients, primary carers and families with complex needs. Provides local support to primary palliative care providers, regional level 1 and/or 2 services including education and formation of standards. Has a comprehensive research and teaching role. Has formal links with local primary palliative care providers and with specialist palliative care providers level 1 and 2, and relevant academic units including professorial chairs where available.

Typical resource profile: Interdisciplinary team including a medical director and clinical nurse consultant/nurse practitioner and allied health staff with specialist qualifications in palliative care.