Palliative care advocacy

Palliative care advocacy
Palliative care advocacy is the process of promoting and supporting the rights and interests of people with serious illnesses and their families. It involves structured communication between palliative care associations, health care workers, policymakers, media, academia, and other stakeholders at the local, national, regional, and international levels. The goal of palliative care advocacy is to improve access to quality palliative care for all who need it, regardless of diagnosis, prognosis, age, or setting.

Some of the key issues that palliative care advocates address are:

– Raising awareness and understanding of palliative care among the public, the media, and decision-makers
– Influencing policies and legislation that affect palliative care delivery and funding
– Improving education and training of health care professionals and volunteers in palliative care
– Ensuring availability and affordability of essential medicines for pain relief and symptom management
– Supporting research and innovation in palliative care
– Empowering patients and families to express their needs and preferences for palliative care
– Promoting collaboration and coordination among different sectors and disciplines involved in palliative care

Palliative care advocacy requires a strategic approach that is based on evidence, ethics, human rights, and cultural sensitivity. It also requires a participatory approach that involves the voices of people with serious illnesses and their families, as well as other relevant stakeholders. Palliative care advocacy can take various forms, such as:

– Developing policy briefs, position papers, or white papers that present the rationale and recommendations for palliative care
– Organizing campaigns, events, or activities that raise awareness and mobilize support for palliative care
– Engaging with the media to disseminate accurate and positive messages about palliative care
– Participating in policy dialogues, consultations, or hearings with government officials or representatives
– Building coalitions or networks with other organizations or groups that share common goals or interests in palliative care
– Providing technical assistance or capacity building to other palliative care advocates or organizations

Palliative care advocacy is an essential component of advancing palliative care globally. It can contribute to improving the quality of life and dignity of people with serious illnesses and their families, as well as reducing unnecessary suffering and health care costs.

References:

[1] Centeno C., Sitte T., De Lima L., et al. White Book for Global Palliative Care Advocacy: Recommendations from the PAL-LIFE expert advisory group of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Vatican City. 2019. Available from: https://www.academyforlife.va/content/dam/pav/documenti%20pdf/2019/White%20Book/WHITE%20BOOK%20English02%2025Apr19.pdf

[2] Advocacy Program – International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care. Available from: https://hospicecare.com/what-we-do/programs/advocacy-program/

[3] Coyle N., Kirk T.W. Advocacy in Palliative Nursing: A Conceptual Model. In: Ferrell B.R., Coyle N., Paice J.A., editors. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing. 5th ed. Oxford University Press; 2019. p. 861–867. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/book/31742/chapter/265623224

[4] Federal Policy Resources | Center to Advance Palliative Care – CAPC. Available from: https://www.capc.org/toolkits/palliative-care-federal-policy/