Organizational model of palliative care in the Republic of Croatia - where are we today?

Abstract

The Republic of Croatia is in the process of establishing a palliative care system in all aspects of the health care system according to The National Program for Palliative Care Development 2017-2020. A curative and palliative treatment should be carried out simultaneously, from the time the diagnosis of life-limiting illnesses was made, as the illnesses progresses with reducing the share of curative treatment and increasing the proportion of palliative care. With the help of a well-organized palliative care system, the patient and family can have dignifi ed care and quality of life. Still, a large number of health professionals are not even aware of the existence and option of palliative care. Therefore, it is essential that the National Program for Palliative Care Development also continues the education of palliative care that should include all health workers. Implementation of palliative care into the health care system is a long-term process, but important steps have been taken so far, especially in urban areas, Zagreb and Rijeka.