International Collaboration on Palliative Care Development Between ASCO and the Land of Hornbills

Abstract

PURPOSE Palliative care in Sarawak is mainly provided by health care professionals with limited formal training in palliative care. Therefore, in 2020, collaborative work between Sarawak General Hospital, University Malaysia Sarawak, and ASCO began. This study reports on the outcome of this collaboration. METHODS The collaboration was initiated with the first ASCO Palliative Care e-course, Train the Trainer program, International Development and Education Award—Palliative Care and translation of ASCO Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Curriculum resources. RESULTS This collaboration has resulted in the change of practice of palliative care among the oncology team of Sarawak General Hospital. CONCLUSION It encourages more timely palliative care referrals to ensure that patients with complex physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs have the necessary input and support from the palliative care team throughout the course of patients’ illnesses.

Improving Equity Across Cancer Care Continuum in Asia Pacific

“…Wong et al provided a report of the international cancer corps program in 2019, where ASCO collaborated with the team in Sarawak Malaysia to conduct palliative care educational programs, which resulted in positive changes in the practice of oncology care in Sarawak General Hospital. 24 Trainer skills were taught in the trainer program, and a reservoir of local health care champions was built to ensure the sustainability of the palliative care service in Sarawak. The collaborative effort also led to translational work of the education materials, ensuring language is not a barrier in learning palliative care.…”