Care Plan for the Dying Person

The Care Plan for the Dying Person (CPDP) is a clinical tool that supports high-quality care for people in the terminal phase of dying.

It guides health professionals caring for a person in the last days and hours of life.

Available as a paper-based clinical form and in ieMR as a PowerForm with a specialised observation chart, the care plan has been endorsed in Queensland Health hospitals since 2010. It is based on the International Collaborative for Best Care for the Dying Person 10/40 Model Care Plan.

The Care Plan for the Dying Person is for adults aged 18 years and over. A separate Care Plan for the Dying Child is available for children and young people aged under 18 years.

Care Plan for the Dying Person eLearning module

An eLearning module has been developed to support the new changes and introduce the Care Plan for the Dying Person.

Access the education package or search ‘Care Plan for the Dying Person’ in your local Learning Management System.

For non-ieMR enabled sites

Care Plan for the Dying Person (Version 9) (PDF 1426 kB) – example only. The paper-based CPDP can be ordered through WINC, using the WINC code: 1NY31713

For ieMR enabled sites

Step 1. Order the CPDP Terminal Adult PowerPlan. Refer to the quick reference guide (PDF 567 kB) for step-by-step instructions.
Step 2. Complete the CPDP PowerForm. Refer to the quick reference guide (PDF 520 kB).
Step 3. Change to 'Palliative Care Comfort Observation and Symptom Assessment (COSA) Adult' in 'Managing Deterioration'.

For clinical support, contact your local specialist palliative care service or PallConsult on 1300 725 527 (1300 PALLCR)

The CPDP may be discontinued only where it has been determined that it is no longer clinically appropriate. Refer to the quick reference guide (PDF 261 kB) for more information.

Comfort observation and symptom assessment and management

The new Palliative Care Comfort Observation and Symptom Assessment (COSA) Specialty Chart is designed to support safe, consistent and coordinated care during the end of life.

The chart:

  • integrates with Managing Deterioration workflows
  • includes a structured symptom rating system (Absent, Mild, Moderate, Severe) to help clinicians assess and document symptoms
  • allows clinicians to document symptoms in the Palliative Care COSA Specialty Chart PowerForm.

Once selected, the chart can reduce medical emergency team calls and further escalation and observations based on Early Warning Scores.

Quick reference guides

Use these quick reference guides with the Palliative Care COSA Specialty Chart:

Fact sheets

Read these evidence-based fact sheets on comfort care and symptom management:

Last updated: 6 October 2026