CareSearch Project, a leader in the provision of evidence-based palliative care information, launched its new portal designed to support everyone – patients, carers, health professionals and ordinary Australians – to have conversations about death and dying, and make informed palliative care decisions.

“We will all need palliative care at one point, and many us will also care for a loved one who is dying. The new CareSearch portal is designed to help all Australians to prepare for their palliative care journey with trustworthy information and resources,” says CareSearch Director Professor Jennifer Tieman.

The new portal will help individuals, families and communities to start sharing their reflections and conversations about dying and death, which are important steps in planning and getting appropriate support. Resources to enable patients and carers to make informed decisions when facing the end of life are included, along with practical information to plan for ageing and caring for older persons.

A section to empower diverse and underserved Australians to get appropriate and quality palliative care and support is also featured.

“In addition, the portal supports GPs, specialists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals to provide quality care in any setting they may be – whether in hospitals, paediatrics, aged care, or home or community care. Further, it provides the evidence that supports best practice and improved care,” says Professor Tieman.

“Our hope is that with the new CareSearch Portal, more Australians will be empowered when the time that they need support comes and our health professionals are equipped to provide quality palliative care.”

The CareSearch Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.