Background
Allied health professionals (AHPs) play a critical role in delivering palliative care to older adults, but there is limited specific training in palliative care during AHP education and training. AHPs are ideally positioned to provide support to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, but prior studies suggest many lack confidence. Online resources targeting context-specific needs have been found to build confidence of AHPs who work in palliative care.

Aim
Using a co-design approach, design, build and evaluate an online allied health toolkit for the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) website, intended to support novice and experienced practitioners in delivering palliative care in aged care.

Methods 
Initially a needs assessment based on sector survey and scoping review of existing evidence was conducted, and an environmental scan for practice resources. An interprofessional allied health advisory group participated in review and co-design activities. Additionally, usability assessment and user testing informed the build, with post release evaluation. 

Results
The advisory group used their expertise to identify critical knowledge to support AHP best practice. A series of pages with general and discipline specific content was synthesized into a toolkit, including downloadable practice packs. Also identified in advisory group discussions was the gaps in evidence to support practice, and the limited environmental scan results for AHP palliative and aged care resources.

Conclusions
AHPs working outside specialist palliative care services as well as those with less clinical experience may be overwhelmed by the needs of patients at the end-of-life. ELDAC seeks to build workforce capacity through practical resources and trustworthy information. The allied health toolkit aims to inform best practice, connect practitioners with further learning and promote the gaps in knowledge that would benefit further research.