Integrating Palliative Care Services in Low Social Economic Status

Abstract

To offer quality and sustainable palliative care services there is need to equip health care workers with appropriate knowledge, attitude and skills.Waterloo ProjectThe project was based on WHO Public Health Model.The project was funded by The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and The True Colours Trust Fund. Other key stakeholders: Kenya Ministry of Health, Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Associations, and African Palliative Care Association.Back groundThe overall purpose of the Waterloo project is to improve the quality of the lives of those affected by life threatening illnesses by ensuring freedom from pain and other distressing symptoms, providing psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement support through integration of palliative care in to the public health systems.MethodAt the start of the project, a comprehensive data collection questionnaire was designed to collect baseline information on; hospitals with established palliative care services, type of services offered, staff trained in palliative care, availability of morphine and existence of a stand alone palliative care team. 11 level 5 hospitals were the focus of this project.SuccessesThrough KEHPCA and Ministry of Health the following have been achieved;A) 9 hospitals in have fully integrated palliative services.B) 220 healthcare workers have received 5 days training course.C) More than 4oo doctors sensitized on palliative care especially pain management.D) Inclusion of palliative care needs in some hospital budgets.ChallengesHigh turnover of hospital administrators in some hospitals affecting the integration of services.Some staff trained in palliative care services deployed in non clinical areas.Lack of essential palliative care medicines in the hospitals.