Palliative Care Around the World continued...
Asia
In Asia, many patients often view palliative care as an approach that is synonymous with end-of-life and death, leading to shock and fear. Differing cultural and social norms and religious affiliations greatly determine perception among the diverse populations. Asian and Pacific cultures are characterised by very strong cross-generational, family-centred behaviours in supporting each other in times of crisis, including death. In the Asia-Pacific region, there are few national policy palliative care guidelines. Singapore has had a history of palliative care since 1985, and in Malaysia there are requirements for palliative care units in public hospitals. Throughout the continent, family and religious belief play a significant role in guiding care at the end stage of life.
HIGHLIGHT - In Asia, many patients often view palliative care as an approach that is synonymous with end-of-life and death, leading to shock and fear. Differing cultural and social norms and religious affiliations greatly determine perception among the diverse populations. Asian and Pacific cultures are characterised by very strong cross-generational, family-centred behaviours in supporting each other in times of crisis, including death. In the Asia-Pacific region, there are few national policy palliative care guidelines. Singapore has had a history of palliative care since 1985, and in Malaysia there are requirements for palliative care units in public hospitals. Throughout the continent, family and religious belief play a significant role in guiding care at the end stage of life.
Central / South America
Many Latin American and Caribbean national health systems mainly focus on disease prevention, prenatal assistance, undernourishment, and more. Many still do not have the conditions for developing palliative care. Often the quality of life during the palliative process is poor, with fragmented assistance as most health systems do not conceptualize palliative care as an important element of health care. Inequalities in access to advanced care planning, adequate palliative care, and pain medication are common in the region. There are reported national palliative care programs in seven countries. Three countries (Chile, Costa Rica, and Cuba) are active and support palliative care nationwide.
HIGHLIGHT - Programa Argentino de Medicina Paliativa – Fundación FEMEBA
Palliative Care in community: all services provide outpatient care, day care, inpatient care and home care. They each provide free care to 200-300 new patients each year Community Education Research Professional education, including annual training courses for volunteers FEMEBA is a not-for-profit nongovernmental organisation to promote palliative care nationwide. The main activities include:
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