Mapping the current state of palliative care in Canada

Two editions of the Canadian Atlas of Palliative Care – Ontario and British Columbia – are underway. Atlases map the current state of palliative care and are used to showcase areas of excellence, for scale and spread, and give opportunities for further enhancement in palliative care. 

Key indicators mapped include: policy; education and training; palliative care services such as the availability of in-hospital and community palliative care teams, palliative care units, residential and community hospices; the integration of the palliative care approach in hospitals, long-term care and in primary care; community engagement; and supports for focused populations. 

Data collection includes information from publicly available sources, surveys with healthcare leaders and providers, key informant interviews, and focus groups. 

In the future, the Canadian Atlas of Palliative Care will be inclusive of all provinces and territories. A sample of what the Atlas will look like from the pilot study is available here.