The National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Comprehensive Care Standard sets out the requirements for health service organisations to ensure patients receive coordinated, comprehensive care, aligned with their needs and goals. 

The National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Comprehensive Care Standard sets out the requirements for health service organisations to ensure patients receive coordinated, comprehensive care, aligned with their needs and goals.

This literature review provides information about quality and safety in end-of-life care beyond hospitals with a particular focus on Australians living in residential aged care or receiving aged care services in the community. There is also a supplement relating to care during the pandemic. 

The review sought to:

• Understand best practice processes for end-of-life care and organisational prerequisites for implementation and delivery in the Australian health context
• Recognise new and emerging issues related to delivery of excellent end-of-life care
• Identify end-of-life care delivery considerations during a pandemic.

Supporting the delivery of excellent end-of-life care is a part of delivering comprehensive care that aligns with the patient’s expressed goals of care and healthcare needs, considers the impact of the patient’s health issues on their life and wellbeing, and is clinically appropriate.

It is important that care is provided continuously and collaboratively in line with their diagnoses and agreed goals of care. Their comprehensive care plan should reflect their individual preferences.