Rethinking End-of-Life Care: The Compassionate Communities Model
An editorial recently published in the journal Palliative Care and Social Practice addresses themes of building community capacity in end-of-life care and dispelling associated misconceptions.
Professor Samar Aoun AM, Perron Institute Research Chair in Palliative Care at The University of Western Australia and co-author, highlighted that most care during dying, death, and grieving occurs outside clinical settings, relying on family and social networks.
Professor Aoun stated that the transition from viewing death as solely a medical or professional concern to recognizing it as a broader societal responsibility is hindered when end-of-life care is perceived as exclusively professional.
The Compassionate Communities Model
The Compassionate Communities model, a community-centered approach, originated to reintegrate the social and spiritual dimensions of hospice care that were diminished as these services became mainstreamed into palliative care.
This model mobilizes communities to share the responsibility of supporting individuals experiencing dying, death, and grief. Communities provide social support, belonging, meaning, and ongoing participation, which clinical care alone cannot fully offer. Evidence suggests this approach improves quality of life and social connectedness, and also reduces unnecessary healthcare utilization, resulting in cost savings.
A Distinct Approach to Support
Dr. Yong Hao Ng, co-author from the National University of Singapore and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Perron Institute and UWA, added that the Compassionate Communities approach is distinct from a typical healthcare service delivery model.
He explained that health professionals manage complex medical and social issues, while Compassionate Communities identify and connect existing support systems. These systems include families, neighbors, faith-based groups, volunteers, community programs, and health and social care services, which are then woven into cohesive networks. By mapping resources and creating clear connections, this approach transforms individual acts of compassion into coordinated collective action, aiming to ensure no one navigates dying and grieving in isolation.
Upcoming Webinar and Panel Discussion
An upcoming webinar presentation and panel discussion is scheduled for Thursday, February 5th. Titled 'Public Health Model of Bereavement Support 14 Years On: Use, Misuse and Opportunities,' the event will feature Dr. Yong Hao Ng as the speaker.
Panel members include Prof. Samar Aoun AM, Prof. Julian Abel, Ms. Orla Keegan, and Assoc. Prof. Geok Ling Lee.