Models of palliative care service delivery - What is most cost effective?

Palliative care has been through a difficult development process, but now has the evidence and experience base to make a contribution in the changing health environment. There has now been a great deal of experience with different types of care, and research has shown that patients strongly prefer home-based care. Research on outcomes has inevitably proved difficult, but the evidence on patient perspectives is strong. The aim of ensuring privacy, dignity and control in the last phase of life is a very positive one and is attainable for most patients. Health funders should be keen to drive forward advances in this field.