1.2 Providing Palliative Care in Economically Disadvantaged Countries

Question 1

What is considered the best approach to achieve universal access to palliative care in resource-poor countries?

Answer 1

A public health approach to palliative care.

Question 2

What difficulties do resource-poor countries face in finding resources to developing palliative care programs? (2)

Answer 2

Competing public health interests.

Funding social determinants of health.

Question 3

What is one of the greatest strengths LMICs can build off of in caregiving near EOL?

Answer 3

The central role of families in offering care for loved ones near EOL.

Question 4

List the four components of the WHO Public Health Model for Palliative Care.

Answer 4

1. Appropriate policies.
2. Adequate drug availability.
3. Education of healthcare workers and the public.
4. The implementation of palliative care services at all levels in society.

Question 5

List 4 key foundations to a public health approach to palliative care.

Answer 5

International collaboration.
Adapting to the local context and multiplying.
Integration into national health policies.
Keeping the patient at the center.

Question 6

What is the palliative care toolkit?

Answer 6

An easy to use curriculum developed for LICs to empower healthcare workers to integrate symptom control and holistic support into the care they are already giving.
Includes clinical guidance for symptom/EOL management and communications tools + psychological and spiritual support tools.

Question 7

Describe 5 components of grassroots implementation of palliative care.

Answer 7

Needs assessment. 
Strategy. 
Education. 
Drug availability.
Implementation.

Question 8

What is the TEAMs strategy to preventing burnout in Palliative Care workers?

Answer 8

Training - in areas of management, strategic planning, working in teams, etc.
Equipping - human resources and funds.
Awareness - of the danger signs of burnout.
Mentorship - provided by local colleagues and advisors who are experienced in palliative care.
Safe spaces - interspersing activities that provide renewal and rest.

Question 9

What are the key components/considerations when growing a model of palliative care from available resources? (4)

Answer 9

Physical - patient care, drug supply, advice and support.

Psychological - counseling, support groups, support at home.

Spiritual - individuals, groups.

Social - NGOs, individual professionals, involving others (community leaders, schools, etc).