Description: Although palliative care is widely recognized in Canada, many still lack access to the services and support needed to ensure a person’s quality of life before death. The availability of palliative home care programs and funding varies greatly across provinces, making it difficult for many Canadians to benefit from these services—less than half of those in need receive them. A recent study in Victoria, BC, focused on “structurally vulnerable” and marginalized individuals, examining ways to reduce their suffering and isolation in their final days. Home care providers are essential in overcoming these obstacles, offering equitable and culturally sensitive palliative care. It is particularly crucial to identify and address the barriers faced by underserved communities, such as those in rural areas, minority groups, and economically disadvantaged populations. By doing so, caregivers can ensure that all Canadians have access to compassionate end-of-life care. This palliative care ECHO learning session will identify barriers and enablers for quality palliative care for vulnerable Canadians, share recommendations for improving access to care for structurally vulnerable people and highlight the work of BC’s Palliative Outreach Resource Team (PORT) through a case study.

Teaching Presentation: Dr. Kelli Stajduhar, Professor, School of Nursing and Institute of Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria
Case Study Discussion: Kate Leahy, RN Nurse Coordinator for the Palliative Outreach Resource Team (PORT), Victoria, BC

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