[Development and state of palliative treatment in Germany]

Since the early nineties of the 20th century palliative medicine developed in a dynamic way. 65 palliative care units (p.c.u.), 81 hospices and some 600 outpatient services were in existence in spring 2000. Germany provides 7 beds in p.c.u. and 8 beds in hospices per 1 Mill. inhabitants. Stillitt is a long way to diminish the existing deficits in pain therapy, the control of other physical symptoms as well as the psychological, social and spiritual support.