Representing the medical profession and patients, the Australian Medical Association (WA) advocates for improved palliative and end-of-life care including:
- better training and education for doctors of all specialties in the principles of palliative care, conversations around end of life, and addressing broader psychosocial issues;
- recognition of the communication required between doctors and patients receiving palliative care, which should be reflected in the MBS schedule;
- coordination of specialties and providers involved in end-of-life care such as GPs, geriatricians, palliative care specialists, psychiatrists and NGO support agencies; and
- training for doctors to improve their understanding of medico-legal issues.
The AMA (WA) played a pivotal role in securing important amendments to the recently passed Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019 (WA).