You Matter Because You Are You
2nd June 2025
Researchers in Denmark have developed and published a Danish language version of CS International’s Action Plan for Better Palliative Care to form part of a national strategy for palliative care in Denmark.
Published in 2021, You Matter Because You are You: An Action Plan for Better Palliative Care is a seven-point Action Plan that identifies the major challenges facing the palliative care system, and outlines evidence-based solutions for each of them. The Action Plan was CS International’s response to the Covid pandemic when demand for palliative care surged, reaching levels of need similar to those which had previously only been expected to be reached in 2040.
The wide-ranging impact of the pandemic on the UK’s NHS services – including delays to surgeries and consultations, an increase in long-term conditions and changes to how health and social care is delivered – resulted in a sustained increase in demand for palliative care, exceeding previous forecasts.
In 2020, the Danish National Audit Office (Rigsrevisionen) criticised the Danish palliative care (PC) provision.
The Board of the Danish Association for Palliative Medicine (DSPaM) recognised an urgent need for a national strategy to improve PC in Denmark. The Board wished to develop a strategy which ensured acceptance and legitimation internationally and within the DSPaM. The aim of this study was to describe the development of the DSPaM ‘National strategy of palliative care for patients with life-threatening diseases.
Using the Action Plan as a framework and starting point, the team in Denmark developed the national strategy for Denmark using a Delphi process, translations and cultural adaptations.
Helledie E. et al. Development of a National Strategy for Palliative Care. Dan Med J 2025;72(6):A12240872. doi 10.61409/A12240872.