Advice to the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner

Palliative Care Australia recognises the importance of palliative care education for nurses and midwives working in rural and remote communities. Strengthening palliative care education and training will help ensure this workforce has the confidence and capability to support people with life-limiting illness and their families across a range of care settings. 

PCA recommends: 

• Strengthening the integration of palliative care education in undergraduate nursing and midwifery programs. 

• Supporting existing initiatives including Palliative Care Curriculum for Undergraduates (PCC4U), the Program of Experience in a Palliative Approach (PEPA) and Indigenous Program of Experience in a Palliative Approach (iPEPA). 

• Improving access to postgraduate palliative care education relevant to regional, rural and remote nursing practice. 

• Addressing gaps in postgraduate nursing education in palliative care, including a stronger focus on palliative dementia care. 

PCA Letter - Rural and Remote Nursing and Midwifery Education survey.pdf