National Strategy
National strategy on palliative care
The Confederation and the cantons have decided, within the framework of the “Swiss National Health Policy” platform, to promote palliative care in our country. On October 22, 2009, the Swiss National Health Policy Dialogue adopted a “National Strategy for Palliative Care 2010 – 2012.”
The strategy aims to better integrate palliative care into the public health system and other sectors. In Switzerland, all seriously ill and dying individuals thus benefit from palliative care tailored to their conditions, resulting in an improved quality of life. This strategy enables the Confederation and the cantons to set binding objectives to address identified gaps. With the involvement of all stakeholders, the measures taken will be implemented and resources used effectively.
Implementation of the Strategy
The launch meeting of the National Strategy for Palliative Care 2010-2012 took place on January 18, 2010. Under the leadership of the relevant federal offices, the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (CDS), and the Swiss Society for Palliative Medicine and Care “palliative.ch,” various initiatives have since been launched in six areas: strategy implementation, care, funding, awareness, training, and research. Some measures have already been successfully implemented and completed.
As part of the subproject “Implementation of the Strategy,” “National Guidelines on Palliative Care” were developed. These guidelines define palliative care and specify the core values, principles, target groups, and providers in this field. They serve as a working tool for all organizations and individuals involved in palliative care.
National Guidelines for Palliative Care
On October 25, 2012, the Swiss National Health Policy Dialogue and the joint platform of the Confederation and the cantons approved the continuation of the “National Strategy on Palliative Care” for the years 2013 to 2015.
A better quality of life for people at the end of life. National Strategy on Palliative Care 2013–2015
The second phase will focus on better integration of palliative care into the existing structures of the health and education systems. In this way, all individuals with a life-threatening prognosis will have access to palliative care tailored to their needs throughout Switzerland.
For more detailed information, please visit the FOPH website.