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Core Functions of Regional Palliative Care Networks

Publication date: 01 March 2015

Investigation of the extent to which the regional palliative care networks (RPCN) meet the minimum requirements regarding the RPCN core functions.

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The Dutch National Palliative Care Programme aims to achieve that patients can choose the care they want in the final phase of their lives, that palliative care is available everywhere in the Netherlands and that there is continuity of care. The Fibula foundation was established in 2011 as the national organisation of all regional palliative care networks (RPCN) in the Netherlands. In 2014, a set of minimum requirements was published to enhance the quality, professionalism and visibility of the RPCN. Four core functions were described: coordinating, informing, monitoring, and facilitating palliative care in the region. With these core functions the Fibula foundation aims, on the one hand, to achieve the desired harmonisation of the networks in the interest of recognition, good advocacy and quality requirements which may be imposed on networks in the future. On the other hand, Fibula encourages a "local colour" so that networks can also develop an appropriate programme that meets the regional needs.

This projects investigated to which extent the regional palliative care networks meet the minimum requirements regarding the RPCN core functions and how the networks fulfil regional customisation. Furthermore, Fibula wants to inventory their supporting role towards further implementation.