In late 2023, state-paid palliative care services were introduced, allowing care at the patient’s residence. Mobile palliative care teams, consisting of doctors of several specialties and medical assistants and/or nurses, were established to provide both face-to-face visits and remote consultations. The palliative care mobile team provides 24/7 support, including needs assessment, and development of care and therapy plans. Services include consultations, transportation to and from medical facilities, provision and training for technical aids, psychosocial rehabilitation, and social care. These services are available on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, ensuring comprehensive and continuous support for patients and their families.
The service is available to individuals who have received a decision from the council of doctors of a level IV or V inpatient treatment facility indicating a need for palliative care at home and a predicted survival of up to six months. Outpatients can be referred to the council by a family doctor or a specialist doctor.