Models for the Delivery of Palliative Care: The Spanish Model

Abstract

Abstract Before describing the model of palliative care in Spain, it is necessary to give a brief description of the country’s current health care model. Our country has approximately 40 million inhabitants. The public health system offers universal access and is publicly financed. In accordance with the constitutional principle of territorial decentralization in the healthcare field, public health services and functions have been transferred from central government to 7 of the 17 Autonomous Regions, affecting some 62% of the country’s population.