Health and social care near the end of life: can policies reduce costs and improve outcomes?

Health and social care near the end of life: can policies reduce costs and improve outcomes? This briefing 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 ten per cent of people near the end of life are responsible for over 60 per cent 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. The briefing suggests that a skilled assessment of patients’ needs, as well as support for them and their families, can improve experiences and may reduce costs of care. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies