Quebec end-of-life palliative care policy : Politique en soins palliatifs de fin de vie

The result of extensive consultations, this policy is aimed at improving the accessibility, continuity, and quality of care and support services we wish to offer our loved ones at the end of life. [...] The third defines the scope of palliative care and the policy. [...] The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. [...] However, like Canadian and Québec palliative care associations, it also reaffirms certain values intended to guide palliative care services, namely • The intrinsic value of each person as a unique individual, the value of life, and the inescapable nature of death • The necessary participation of patients through their free and informed consent to ensure they are party to decisions in accordance wi [...] The notions of refusing and stopping treatment have been the subject of much jurisprudence12 in Québec, across Canada, and in the U. S. that enshrines the right of patients to refuse any treatment, even if its sole goal is to prolong life.