Home palliative care in the United Kingdom and Europe

Palliative home care is an essential component of palliative care provision across the continent of Europe. However, the precise ways in which that care is structured and delivered are highly variable, due to differences in history, development, resources, national health priorities and culture. The United Kingdom is a case in point with each of the four component countries having its own national palliative care strategy. Nevertheless, there are common themes evident, both across Britain and across Europe, not least a drive towards greater integration and co-ordination of palliative home care services. Palliative home care in Europe is provided by a combination of specialist and non-specialist providers. Non-specialist services are most commonly provided by General Practitioners (family doctors), community nurses and other statutory or government-funded teams and individuals. Specialist services may also be centrally funded or may be provided by independent or third sector organisations. Some of the challenges facing palliative home care in Europe include increasing services to meet demand, continuously improving quality of provision and breaking down barriers that prevent some groups from receiving the care they need.