Document
Palliative care in the Eastern mediterranean : comparative analysis using specific indicators.
Identifier
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01047-7
Source
BMC Palliative Care. v. 21, 1, 168
Contributors
Pourghazian, Nasim., Author
Garralda, Eduardo., Author
Steijn, Danny van., Author
Slama, Slim., Author
Benítez, Edgar., Author
Bouësseau, Marie‑Charlotte., Author
Centeno, Carlos., Author
Country
United Kingdom.
City
London
Publisher
BioMed Central Ltd.
Gregorian
2022-12-01
Language
English
English abstract
Background: Monitoring the development of palliative care (PC) illustrates the capacity of health systems to respond to the needs of people experiencing serious health-related suffering. Aim: To analyse comparatively the situation of PC in the countries of the Easter Mediterranean region using context-specific indicators. Method: An online questionnaire with 15 context-specific PC indicators investigating service provision, use of medicines, policy, education, and vitality was designed. Authors Institution 1 nominated in-country experts to complete the survey. Data were analysed using a comparative description of indicators per domain and a multivariate analysis. Results: In-country experts were identified in 17/22 countries. 12/17 contributed to the survey. In total, 117 specialized PC services were identified. Specialized services per population ranges from 0.09 per 100,000 inhabitants in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait; to zero services in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. On average, opioid consumption was 2.40 mg/capita/year. National PC strategies were reported in nine countries. In six countries, PC is officially accredited either as a specialty or sub-specialty, and PC mandatory courses are implemented in 36% of medical schools and 46% of nursing schools. National PC associations were documented in six countries. A higher pattern of development was identified in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Qatar. Conclusions: Despite a higher development in the Arabian Peninsula, the region is characterised by a very low provision of specialized PC services and opioid consumption. Policy improvements represent an opportunity to improve access to PC.
ISSN
1472-684X
Category
Journal articles