Coasties will soon see the results of a research project aiming to improve end-of-life care for older people.

Led by Associate Professor Julie Harrison from the University of Auckland, the study focuses on helping seniors, their families, and clinicians make informed decisions regarding healthcare interventions.

The project is timely as New Zealand’s healthcare system faces increasing pressure from an ageing population.

Harrison, who specialises in health funding models and performance measurement within healthcare, emphasises the importance of supporting older patients and their loved ones in difficult times.

Associate professor Julie Harrison (University of Auckland Business School) specialises in performance measurement within health services, health funding models and costing systems in healthcare settings.

“End-of-life decisions are tough, especially in stressful situations,” says Harrison.

“We want to find ways to better support seniors and their families to make choices that align with their values.”

The research, funded by the Health Research Council, is being conducted at Waikato Hospital in collaboration with researchers from both the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato.

The team will work closely with clinicians, patients, and families to understand the decision-making process around medical treatments like surgery or extended hospital stays.

One key goal of the project is to develop pathways that allow more people to spend their final days at home, reducing the need for unnecessary hospital interventions.

Harrison also points to potential cost savings that could be reinvested into other areas of the healthcare system.

“A lot of healthcare costs occur at the end of life,” Harrison explains.

“These decisions impact not only the individual but also the healthcare system as a whole. We hope this study will lead to better, more informed choices for everyone involved.”

By examining how seniors and their families navigate difficult decisions, as well as gathering insights from those who have recently lost loved ones, the research aims to offer practical recommendations for future care.

In the words of Harrison, “It’s about helping seniors and their families to understand the treatments available and choose the care pathway that fits their needs.”