The NSW Government has committed $2.7 million in grants to help university researchers improve end-of-life and palliative care services in NSW.

Funded as part of the World Class End of Life Care commitment, seven successful projects have received funding to pursue various focus areas that will inevitably benefit patients, their families and carers.

The successful applicants are:

• The University of Newcastle – Stability and Compatibility of commonly used palliative care medications administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion: Improving best evidence for practice change 
• University of Technology Sydney – Caring for our community in a new home: End-of-life care for refugee communities
• University of NSW – Evaluation of a tailored model of palliative care for people with intellectual disability
• University of Sydney – Implementing a Model of Bereavement Care for the Palliative Care service across Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
• University of Technology Sydney – Navigation Model for NSW Palliative Care Services- support for Arabic and Chinese speaking community
• University of Technology Sydney – Strengthening Empathetic Communication Skills in Palliative Care Trainees
• University of Wollongong – IMPACS-NSW: Improving Palliative Care Screening in NSW Hospitals

These grants were awarded after an open, competitive application process was conducted by the assessment panel, which included experts in palliative care, policy and research.

Projects have already commenced and will be conducted over the next three years.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “When you have a life-limiting illness, it is an extremely challenging time for patients and their families – but hopefully these research projects can go some way in reducing that burden.

“This research will translate into improved services and enhanced care for patients, families and carers who receive palliative care in NSW.

“Personally, I am thrilled to see our universities put together such strong applications for such a diverse range of projects, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work that went into each, whether successful or not.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said, “Research grants like these are critical to improving the care we offer in NSW, especially for end-of-life patients and their families.

“Each of these projects address priority research areas that were identified through extensive consultation with the NSW palliative care sector, including clinicians, policy managers, academics and advocacy groups.

“I would like to congratulate those universities and their staff who were successful in their applications and wish them the best as they begin their projects.”