How do we benchmark the quality of specialist palliative care?

A legal obligation to commission palliative care was established in England in 2022; however, commissioners may struggle with what needs to be provided, how this should be funded, how effective services are and care quality. This is compounded by differing intersections between specialist and generalist palliative care across England. Challenges to be addressed include service specification, integration of healthcare Information Technology (IT) systems and funding for the implementation of an agreed national dataset of outcomes for specialist palliative care. Funding is also required to build connectivity, coordination and digital infrastructure. Engaged political and clinical leadership, supported by research capacity, is vital.