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Background This research explores family members’ experience of the end-of-life care (EoLC) that their loved one received at Ballarat Health Services (BHS). Participants’ were asked to describe the EoLC their relative received, including information given about the dying process by health care professionals (HCP). Aim The intent of the research was to explore the meaning of end of life care for family members. It is anticipated this research will inform the End-of-Life framework for BHS, in Victoria Australia. Methods A qualitative interpretative design was adopted and data was collected via semi-structured open-ended individual interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify common themes. Results Thirteen participants shared their thoughts and memories of the death of their loved one and five key themes emerged: Communication Preparation for death Follow up after death The care experience The dying experience. Discussion Health care professionals are positioned to play an integral role in supporting the person who is dying and also their family during EoLC. This care is a vital focus for HCP in the last days and hours of the person dying and their family. It is essential that HCPs in all settings are equipped to provide the highest possible standard of EoLC. Conclusion This research will inform the EoL framework being developed to integrate the elements of: Advance Care Planning, a tool to help HCPs identify patients who are dying, medical goals of care documentation, a Care of the Dying Management Plan and a range of other supporting tools and documents.

Background Primary care professionals have a major role to play in access towards palliative care. Our hypothesis is that interprofessional teamwork within Multiprofessional Primary Health Care Centres (MPHCs) may contribute to early identification (EI) of patients at the end of life, in order to proceed to the multidimensional assessment (MA) of their needs. EI and MA are not enough and must be combined with an interprofessional training to anticipatory care planning (ACP) in order to increase referral to palliative care services. Aim To determine if the use of simple identification tools by a primary care team, coupled with an interprofessional training (based on simulation) can improve access to specialist palliative care for patients at the end of life. Methods Our mixed-methods research includes: a qualitative study in MPHCs and in patients, the development of a simulation-based training, and the evaluation of the whole intervention in a cluster randomised controlled trial. Results Improvement is expected regarding 1/access to specialist palliative care, 2/respect for the priorities of patients, and 3/unplanned admissions in the last weeks of life. Discussion Process evaluation will have to consider the influence of different regional contexts or economical models, and the extent of collaboration between primary and secondary care services. Conclusion Implementing ACP within interprofessional primary care might play a prominent role in accessing palliative care. A well-conducted assessment shall nevertheless precede any wider dissemination.