Palliative care in Finland

Abstract

Palliative care in Finland is in its infancy. The Finnish National Board of Health issued 'Instructions for terminal care' in 1982, and subsequently the specialty has been fostered by the National Board, the Lutheran church and the voluntary sector. The first hospices in Finland opened in 1988, and have been well received both by the public and by other medical services. Community palliative care is largely provided by the voluntary sector. It is hoped that further development will include educating health care workers so that the principles of palliative care are incorporated into other areas of medical practice.