European Association for Palliative Care

Palliative care is a method of specialized health care for people with serious diseases. It emphases provide relief to the patients from physical, and mental stress of a serious sickness. The aim of such remedy is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the friends and family. Palliative care is delivered by a team of physiotherapists, physicians, nurses and other health professionals. It is suitable for any age and at any stage of a serious sickness and can be provided as the main objective of care. Palliative care can be given across multiple situations including in the patient's home, in hospitals, as the part of community palliative care programs.

Aims and objectives:

• To promote the development as well as dissemination of palliative care at social, scientific and clinical levels and increase the awareness
• To promote the training at recognized institutes who are involved with the care of the mortally ill patients and promote research and study.
• Combine those who practice and study the disciplines related to the care of patients suffering from advanced disease, their relatives and doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, volunteers and others.
• Addressing ethical problems related to the treatment of the incurably ill
• Establishing the international network to the exchange the expertise and information
• Sponsor or promote publications concerning palliative care
• Promote the formation and the application of rules and guidelines at European, provincial and national levels, in addition to the availability of finance that promise the access to possible the best palliative care to all who need it

ACTIVITIES:

The establishment date of European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) was on 12 December 1988, with 42 founding members.  The aim of EAPC is to promote palliative care in Europe and to act as a motivation for all of those who are working, or have interest, in the field of palliative care at clinical, scientific and social levels. The EAPC Head Office has been founded at the National Cancer Institute in Milan, Italy since 1990.

In 1998 the Council of Europe awarded EAPC the position of INGO (International Non-Governmental Organisation).

The EAPC brings together many voices to induce an idea of superiority in palliative care that meets the needs of patients and their families.