The criteria for being classified as “approaching integration” (those who are at the highest level in regards to palliative care) include:

• Critical mass of activists countrywide

• Range of providers and service types

• Broad awareness of palliative care

• Measure of integration with mainstream service providers

• Impact on policy

• Established education centers

• Academic links

• Research undertaken

• National Association

As well as meeting criteria of the lower levels (localized provision and capacity building).