Palliative Care and Public Health, A Perspective from the African Palliative Care Association

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faith Mwangi-Powell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Care Association

scholarly journals Examining public knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards palliative care: a mixed method sequential study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja McIlfatrick ◽  
Paul Slater ◽  
Esther Beck ◽  
Olufikayo Bamidele ◽  
Sharon McCloskey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract Background Palliative care is recognised as a public health issue with the need for earlier integration in the wider healthcare system. However, research indicates that it continues to be accessed late in the course of an illness, public understanding of palliative care is limited, and common misconceptions prevail. Strategies to address this are needed in order to reduce barriers to palliative care delivery and improve access. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods study, comprising a cross-sectional survey and interviews was undertaken. Sociodemographic characteristics, public awareness, knowledge and perceptions of palliative care were examined and strategies to raise awareness and overcome barriers within a public health framework were identified. Survey data were analysed using SPSS v25 with factor analysis and non-parametric statistics and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results A total of 1201 participants completed the survey (58.3% female, mean age 61 years) and 25 took part in interviews. A fifth of participants (20.1%) had previously heard about palliative care and had an accurate understanding of the term. Being female, higher educated, married, and older, increased respondents’ levels of awareness. The three most commonly held misconceptions included: Palliative care is exclusively for people who are in the last 6 months of life (55.4% answered incorrectly); A goal of palliative care is to address any psychological issues brought up by serious illness (42.2% answered incorrectly); and a goal of palliative care is to improve a person’s ability to participate in daily activities (39.6% answered incorrectly). Talking about palliative and end of life care was advocated but societal taboos restricted this occurring with exposure limited to personal experience. Conclusions Current knowledge gaps and misconceptions derived from limited ad hoc personal experiences and fear of engaging in taboo conversations may deter people from accessing integrated palliative care services early in a disease trajectory. The results indicate the need for public education programmes that move beyond merely raising awareness but provide key messages within a public health approach, which may change attitudes to palliative care thus ultimately improving end of life outcomes.

scholarly journals Young adults understanding and readiness to engage with palliative care: extending the reach of palliative care through a public health approach: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Mallon ◽  
Felicity Hasson ◽  
Karen Casson ◽  
Paul Slater ◽  
Sonja McIlfatrick
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Comfort Care ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Framework Approach

Abstract Background Moving palliative care from a solely clinical focus to a more population based and community orientated approach is the hallmark of a much advocated public health approach to palliative care. Young adults are a vital cohort of the public, yet their understanding of palliative care has not been investigated. This study aimed to explore young adults’ understanding of palliative care and identify factors that influence their engagement. Methods A purposive sample of young adults (n = 24) aged 18–29 years were recruited from one UK University. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken face to face or via telephone or Skype between November 2017 and February 2018. Thematic analysis using a framework approach and underpinned by a socioecological perspective was used to analyse the interviews. Results Three thematic categories were identified relating to intrapersonal and interpersonal influences, cultural and social influences and organisational and public policy influences. Palliative care was understood as supportive comfort care, delivered in the absence of cure, associated with the end of life and specifically focused on death and dying. Negative attitudes related to the context of care, which represented a static and hopeless situation. Whilst some reported positive attitudes, potential engagement was seen to be governed by a lack of knowledge and protective cultural norms. In terms of demonstrating readiness to engage with palliative care, participants requested clear information and suggested a normalising of palliative care through the education system. Conclusion Young adults in this study were ready to find out more about palliative care and identified social media as a platform upon which to engage this population. However, their perception of a society that views palliative care as a subject for those directly affected, creates a barrier to engagement. This study identified the ingredients of a public health message and mediums for disseminating the message. However, findings also suggest that a cultural shift is required to recognise the potential of engaging young adults in health issues that cross the life span, empowering them not only as individuals but as vital members of community and society.

scholarly journals The public health end-of-life care movement: history, principles, and styles of practice

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliki Karapliagou ◽  
Allan Kellehear ◽  
Klaus Wegleitner
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Life Care ◽  
The Public ◽  
Civic Practice ◽  
Practice Methods

This chapter briefly outlines the history, key concepts, and main practice methods from public health approaches to end-of-life care. Although linked to psychosocial care approaches, its main methods draw not from psychology or health services inspired approaches but rather from health promotion, community development, and civic engagement. Key methods covered include community volunteering, social networking, community engagement, and compassionate communities and cities. The aim of these kinds of approaches is to embed palliative care practice as a social and civic practice in all sectors of society and to ensure that palliative care as a policy is represented in all civic policies (e.g. schools, workplaces, faith groups, and cultural activities) and not solely in health care.

Policy in palliative care

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-32
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Connor
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
The Other ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Model ◽  
The World ◽  
Care Policies ◽  
Health Model

This chapter describes all aspects of policy, including definitions, who is it that sets policy, how policy is made, how policy is implemented, the elements of effective policies, the differences between policies and regulations, the policies that are important for palliative care, global versus national policy differences, and barriers to the creation and implementation of palliative care policies. Understanding policy is important, as it is one of the fundamental building blocks of palliative care under the World Health Organization’s public health model. This model underscores the pre-eminence of policy, as it makes possible all the other elements. Palliative care professionals should understand the complexity inherent in policy and embrace it as an important area to master.

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