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Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines print pdf

Updates

03/10/2022 The Enhanced Palliative Care online learning module is now available on the TURAS learning system. This module is designed to complement the Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines and the Enhanced Palliative Care course.

14/04/2022 The new guideline on palliative care in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder is now published 

17/03/2022 - the latest research bulletin for March is now available

 

 

 

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COVID-19 - Our Response

The palliative care community will stand with those who are facing suffering related to any illness, those who die during this pandemic, those who face bereavement and all who provide care.

Temporary guidelines are now available for symptom management:

The appropriate visiting guidance should also be followed:

We need your feedback on the COVID-19 guidelines

 

Further guidance related to COVID-19 is also available and includes:

  • Anticipatory Care Planning guidance
  • Communications guide
  • Practical resources to help professionals giving medicines
  • Signposts to support members of the public through serious illness, death and loss 
  • Support for professionals themselves

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Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines

The Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines reflect a consensus of opinion about good practice in the management of adult patients with life-limiting illness. They are designed for healthcare professionals from any care setting who are involved in supporting people with a palliative life-limiting condition.

The guidelines have been developed by a multidisciplinary group of professionals working in the community, hospital and specialist palliative care services throughout Scotland supported by Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Adherence to guideline recommendations will not ensure a successful outcome in every case. It is the responsibility of all professionals to exercise clinical judgement in the management of individual patients. Palliative care specialists occasionally use or recommend other drugs, doses or drug combinations.

The online version of the guidelines contains the most up-to-date information. Printed versions cannot be considered to be current.

Updates and amendments made to the online guidelines will be detailed in the News and Updates section.