Health and Social Care Near the End of Life: Can Policies Reduce Costs and Improve Outcomes?

This brief written by The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies reviews the evidence on health and social care needs and expenditures at the end of life. End of life costs are the main reason for high per person spending levels observed at older ages in many European countries. However, there is huge variation between individuals, with estimates suggesting that just 10% of people near the end of life are responsible for over 60% of total end of life health and social care expenditures. High-cost individuals tend to be frail people with multiple chronic illnesses who use considerable hospital and social care services.

More active assessment of care needs can also significantly improve the experiences of patients and families, reduce unnecessary tests and interventions, will not shorten survival, and can help to limit the growth in costs.

Read the full brief (in English) here.