Domain of Expertise in Palliative Care

For close to 20 years, the CREGÉS has developed specific expertise aimed at developing and sharing knowledge related to the best practices in palliative care.

Research projects that support the development of leading practices in this area of expertise draw upon a psychosocial approach which takes into account, among others, physical, psychological, social, spiritual, cultural, identity and relational needs. This work values the recognition of the growing psychosocial needs of seniors, in the final stage of life, and of their relatives, both during illness and during bereavement.

The CREGÉS organizes and promotes various activities and projects (e.g.: scientific publications, programs, guides and tools, etc.) on diverse themes like the identification of needs specific to seniors in the final stage of life as well as their relatives’, accessibility of palliative care, improving practices of professionals and volunteers providing palliative and end-of-life care at home, representations of death, a “good death,” and more.

Information: Patrick Durivage, Coordinator, Domain of Expertise in Palliative Care, CREGÉS, CIUSSS West-Central Montréal

Consult the programs, guides and tools

A team of researchers and practitioners has developed a tool called the Cartography of Factors Influencing Family Members/Carers’ Experiences of Loss: A Tool to Develop Targeted Actions. This tool aims to support professionals working with those who are grieving or will soon be grieving. This tool is freely accessible, and an online training that guides you in using it is available free of charge (Cartography: Mapping the Bereavement Experience). A narrative literature review (Factors Influencing Bereavement: A review of the literature) was also conducted to present the positions and arguments of experts regarding each of the factors that can influence grief.

Statistical Report: CHEZ SOI JUSQU’À LA FIN ? Désirs et motivations des Québécois et Québécoises âgées quant à leur lieu de fin de vie et de décès.

Funded by CREGÉS and SSHRC, the project is being led by several CREGÉS members: Isabelle Van Pevenage (institutional researcher) is the principal researcher, Patrik Marier (Scientific Director) and Valérie Bourgeois-Guerin (regular member) are co-researchers, and Patrick Durivage (coordinator of the Palliative Care Domain of Expertise) is a collaborator.

The project includes a population-based survey of 1,000 Quebecers aged 65 and over on their wishes, perceptions and beliefs about where they want to end their lives and die. This statistical report presents some of the results of this survey so that they can be mobilized by all players interested in these issues.

Download the report (In French)

Interactive workshops for families caring for someone living with serious illness

A series of ten free interactive workshops in French will begin on September 17, 2025, at Maison Saint-Raphaël. They will be led by Patrick Durivage, coordinator of the Palliative Care Domain of expertise, and Isabelle Van Pevenage, Institutional researcher at CREGÉS

Download the pamphlet for more information.

Poster: Mourir chez soi au Québec: entre souhaits, échos du terrain et conditions de possibilité (in French)

• Patrick Durivage: [email protected]
• Isabelle Van Pevenage: [email protected]

Communauté de pratique – Soins palliatifs à domicile (on Facebook)