The Centre for Palliative Care of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka was established on 14 July 2016 as a scientific, teaching, and professional organisational unit within the Department of Clinical Medical Sciences I. The establishment of the Centre represents an important step in the development of palliative care at the regional level, with the aim of improving the quality of care for patients with severe and incurable diseases and their families.
The Centre has integrative, logistical, advisory, educational, and scientific functions. Its activities are focused on the development of a teaching base as well as theoretical and practical education in the field of palliative care. Special emphasis is placed on organising education for all professions involved in palliative care, both healthcare and non-healthcare, such as social workers, psychologists, clergy, and volunteers. In this way, an interdisciplinary approach to patient and family care is encouraged.
The work of the Centre is based on frameworks defined in the Strategic Plan for the Development of Palliative Care in the Republic of Croatia. It actively participates in the development of regional palliative care strategies, as well as in the development of unified standards, criteria, protocols, and guidelines for the provision of palliative services. The aim is to ensure consistent quality of care, standardisation of knowledge and skills among healthcare professionals, and systematic monitoring of service quality. In addition, the Centre promotes scientific research, the development of research infrastructure, and the involvement of students and professionals in projects related to palliative medicine.
Through professional support in the implementation of new technologies, the connection of various stakeholders within the system, and the development of educational programmes for nurses, the Centre for Palliative Care actively contributes to improving the quality and accessibility of palliative care in Croatia.