Cultural Challenges in Implementing Palliative Services in Emerging Countries
Journal Title: Palliative Medicine & Hospice Care – Open Journal - Year 2017, Vol 0, Issue 1
Abstract
Palliative Care is Unique: It is a new specialty that helps patients and their families as fully as possible when faced with a life-threatening illness. The population is aging which means more people will need Palliative Care (PC) services in the future. Palliative care responds to the population’s health needs and helps to build a bridge for better understanding amongst all people. Palliative care involves the belief that no life is disposable or dispensable and that each and every human being deserves to be heard and helped. The scope of palliative care is the quintessential scope of the culture of peace. Background: We have to respond to the needs of public health and provide services of optimal care. To establish a palliative care system in Palestine, it is necessary to identify barriers to provide palliative care service to the patients who are suffering with cancer or chronic illness during treatment or at end-of-life. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify barriers against providing palliative care in Palestine from nursing perspective. Methods:Family questions, staff and informal discussion, communication, attitude, psychosocial and emotional needs have been noted as per author’s direct observation and experience. The study was done at Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Makassed Hospital, East Jerusalem between February 2014 to February 2017. The study is prospective and descriptive in design. Results: The findings of this study are based on views and perceptions of patients as well as the health professionals regarding the challenges of providing palliative care which include lack of government strategies, lack of awareness among the professionals, insufficient training for physicians and nurses, family concerns about cost and inadequate financial coverage from health insurance. To establish structured palliative care services, we need to meet the challenges and remove barriers by enhancing knowledge and awareness of healthcare professionals, educate professionals and develop updated standards and treatment protocols. Conclusion: In Palestine, there are no palliative care services or any other related services or support towards patients and families, especially in case of life-threatening conditions in case of emergency.
Authors and Affiliations
Ibtisam M. Ghrayeb
Keywords
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- EP ID EP560818
- DOI 10.17140/PMHCOJ-SE-1-106
- Views 142
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