End of life care in progressive neurological disease: Australia

Abstract

People with a progressive neurological disease can benefit from an integrated model of care which addresses their health and disability care needs over the course of their illness, and helps them to plan for the end of life. Australians enjoy a modern, mandated health and social welfare system, but a coordinated approach to chronic disease management is yet to be fully realised. This article reviews Australian health and disability service arrangements for chronic neurological disease, including some of the problems that arise from dichotomous governance and funding responsibilities in a federal system. Increasing use of E-technology should foster better communication and more effective teamwork in the future. By reducing the need for travel, E-health will also provide greater equity of access to specialist services and education.