PACOP Quality Improvement

PACOP provides a nationally standardised assessment and response framework to guide the delivery of evidenced-based palliative care in residential aged care. Quality improvement is demonstrated through reporting and benchmarking activities.

PACOP supports implementation of aged care reform and provides processes to systematically access data, analyse reports, review care outcomes, resource use, funding classifications, and demonstrate improvement through a national benchmarking program. PACOP supports demonstration of compliance in key regulatory and governance requirements.

Be prepared! Check out the new Aged Care Act 2024 Roadmap

Application of evidence

PACOP Quality Improvement resources

PACOP process supports clinical governance by continuously assessing resident needs, enabling the delivery of timely and appropriate care. PACOP reports demonstrate how high-quality clinical care aligned with key quality indicators, support accreditation efforts, and identify opportunities for quality improvement initiatives.

Participating ACHs can initiate a quality improvement (QI) project based on PACOP data, with measurable outcomes that can be evaluated in the subsequent PACOP reporting cycle. By consistently applying this process through bi-annual PACOP reports, services can drive continuous quality improvement and enhance palliative care outcomes for residents.

Helpful Resources:

PACOP Report Analysis Plan 

PACOP Quality Improvement Plan

PACOP Audit – response to assessment

PACOP mapping to clinical care standards  

PACOP's framework and processes are a robust evidenced based best practice model for palliative care in Aged Care in compliance with Standard 5.7. The framework and assessments all reinforce and support the homes clinical governance framework through regular communication, person centered care, transparency, quality, safety, outcomes. 

Helpful links:

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards – February 2025 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

National Palliative Care Standards for All Health Professionals and Aged Care Services - Palliative Care Australia

Standards for general practice residential aged care - RACGP

Data-driven clinical quality improvement support

PACOP provides access to education and training to build skills in clinical data interpretation and quality improvement. PACOP works with individual aged care homes and organisations to support the interpretation and understanding of reports, the development of quality improvement plans, and the ongoing measurement of outcomes and benchmarking of results to evidence improvements in care over time. Blended learning offerings include electronic resources and participation in virtual and in-person events.