Patient-centred supportive and palliative care

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genevieve Thompson ◽  
Carla Ens ◽  
Harvey Chochinov
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
The Public ◽  
Low Resource

Chapter 14 expands on the role of palliative care within the framework of cancer control. In addition, the public health approach outlined by the WHO, including appropriate policy, adequate drug availability, education, and palliative care delivery at all levels of health care, will be discussed. Finally, the challenges in adapting these principles into high and low resource settings will be described.

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 Can the Health-Care System Meet the Challenge of Pandemic Flu? Planning, Ethical, and Workforce Considerations

2007 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Levin ◽  
Eric N. Gebbie ◽  
Kristine Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Care Delivery Systems ◽  
The Impact

The federal pandemic influenza plan predicts that 30% of the population could be infected. The impact of this pandemic would quickly overwhelm the public health and health-care delivery systems in the U.S. and throughout the world. Surge capacity for staffing, availability of drugs and supplies, and alternate means to provide care must be included in detailed plans that are tested and drilled ahead of time. Accurate information on the disease must be made available to health-care staff and the public to reduce fear. Spokespersons must provide clear, consistent messages about the disease, including actions to be taken to contain its spread and treat the afflicted. Home care will be especially important, as hospitals will be quickly overwhelmed. Staff must be prepared ahead of time to assure their ability and willingness to report to work, and public health must plan ahead to adequately confront ethical issues that will arise concerning the availability of treatment resources. The entire community must work together to meet the challenges posed by an epidemic. Identification and resolution of these challenges and issues are essential to achieve adequate public health preparedness.

scholarly journals Covid-19, Health Care in Ghana and the Fundamental Laws of Medical Science

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayim Aboagye D
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
The Novel ◽  
The Public ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Government

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of available research concerning covid-19 in Ghana. It presents challenges, measures from the health care delivery sector in the public health facilities. The article draws some strength from the fundamental laws of medicine as they aid to prepare the scientists in their combat against the novel Covid-19, its variants such as Delta and Omicron. Though the government has suffered economically from lockdowns and social interventions, its resilience efforts have been acclaimed to be successful and have to be emulated by other countries. The health care workers in Ghana's dissatisfaction with their jobs in these periods have not sidelined government efforts to lead and care for its citizens amid a pandemic.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors Related to Palliative Care Delivery Among Pediatric Oncology Health Care Providers

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Spruit ◽  
Cynthia J. Bell ◽  
Valerie B. Toly ◽  
Maryjo Prince-Paul
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Pediatric Oncology ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Patients With Cancer

The care of pediatric patients with cancer and their families is complex and rapidly evolving. Despite significant advances in outcomes, symptoms of the disease and complications of therapy continue to cause suffering that may improve with the involvement of pediatric palliative care (PPC) services. This descriptive study responds to the observation of great variability in PPC utilization within pediatric oncology. Data collected from 156 health care professionals (nurses, advanced practice professionals, and physicians) from a statewide hematology alliance evaluates the knowledge, beliefs, and perceived barriers to PPC involvement. Data analysis reveals significant variability when comparing respondents from professional roles and practice environments. Despite progress in PPC availability, care delivery remains incongruent with current recommendations. Knowledge gained from this study emphasizes the important role for all health care providers in advocating for support of PPC programs, educating the public, and committing to intentional involvement of PPC services while caring for pediatric oncology patients.

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