This Palliative Care Glossary is intended to be the beginning of a process to develop a common understanding of terms used in palliative care in New Zealand. To date, many of the terms defined in this glossary have held various meanings resulting in inconsistent use and confusion.

The Palliative Care Council of New Zealand, Hospice New Zealand and the Ministry of Health have all been involved in developing this Glossary. These organisations have agreed to use the terms and associated descriptions contained in the Glossary in all future documentation and correspondence.