For a long time in Austria, prescription medications were only allowed to be stored and administered on a patient-specific basis. This regulation posed challenges for Austrian institutions providing inpatient care and support, mobile care and support services, day hospices, and mobile palliative teams: the need for these medications often arises suddenly and unexpectedly. In the past, this led to situations where medications were available in facilities but could not be administered because they were stored for other patients. Especially during nights, weekends, or holidays, obtaining the medications often took considerable time, causing suffering for patients and stress for relatives and caregivers. Stockpiling medications for all patients is not sensible from economic and ecological perspectives. Both the acquisition and disposal of medications involve high costs and represent avoidable resource waste from an ecological standpoint.

Hospiz Österreich successfully advocated for a better solution. The amendment to the Narcotics Ordinance, which came into effect on February 1, 2024, now allows for patient-independent stockpiling of palliative emergency medications (BMSGPK, 2024). Additionally, within the framework of the PANO project (Palliative Emergency Medications), Hospiz Österreich developed the possibility to reimburse palliative emergency medications to institutions. The project was first conducted for one year in 2024 and was extended in 2025. It became apparent that so far only a few institutions have utilized the reimbursement option.

The Center for Nonprofit Organizations and Social Impact addressed the following research questions as part of the study:

Research Question 1: How can the submission process for homes/providers/facilities be improved or simplified (e.g., tutorial measures, FAQs)? Are users struggling with the operation?

Research Question 2: Where are the current challenges regarding the submission process?

Research Question 3: From the time the medications are available in the homes/providers/facilities, are there challenges in their actual application to patients?

Research Question 4: What measures should be derived and implemented based on these findings?

As part of the evaluation, online surveys and interviews were conducted with institutions that have applied for cost reimbursement as well as with those that have not yet utilized this option.

The final report has not yet been published.