According to the 2015 Quality of Death Index Canada is one of the top places to die.
The index, conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit, compared palliative care in 80 countries across the world. The study looked at 20 indicators across five categories including palliative and health care environment, human resources, affordability, care quality, and community engagement.
This year is the second time the research has been conducted. In 2010, the number one country went to the United Kingdom and they keep the top spot for 2015. The study found their continued success is linked to comprehensive national policies, a strong hospice movement, and integration of palliative care into their National Health Service.
Wealthy countries found their way to the top of the index, including Australia and New Zealand, who came in second and third, respectively. Canada came in just behind our American counterparts at 11th place, while the United States took ninth.
Although wealthier countries fared better, there were a number of developing countries that made notable improvements to how they address palliative care. For example, Mongolia has experienced rapid growth in their hospice facilities and Panama has begun building palliative care into their primary services.
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