Within the NRP "End of life" (NRP 67), 33 research teams studied aspects of the end of life in Switzerland from a variety of different perspectives. The results offer information useful to guiding decisions and practices at the end of life. This knowledge has been made available to decision-makers in the health care system, as well as to politicians and professionals involved in the care of individuals at the end of life. This research was performed between 2012 and 2017. The research programme was completed end of February 2019.
On 18 September 2020, the Federal Council approved the report "Better care and therapy for people at the end of their lives", which recommends a number of measures based on the findings of NRP 67. It was drawn up in response to a postulate of the Social Security and Health Committee of the Council of States. The recommended measures are aimed at improving care and therapy for people at the end of life. All people living in Switzerland, irrespective of their diagnosis or place of residence, should have access to palliative care. Patients and their next of kin should receive professional support so that they can make informed and independent decisions. This Federal Council report is another important step towards implementation of the research results of NRP 67.