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A new international framework for palliative care.
S H Ahmedzai1, A Costa, C Blengini
1Academic Palliative Medicine Unit, Clinical Sciences Division, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK. s.ahmedzai@sheffield.ac.uk
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|September 30, 2004
Summary
Palliative care should be a human right for all cancer patients, offering round-the-clock support. This summary defines palliative care and proposes basic and specialized levels to improve patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Medicine
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Despite advances in cancer treatment, most adult patients succumb to the disease.
- Access to palliative care is inconsistent globally, necessitating a standardized approach.
- Existing definitions of palliative care require refinement to encompass multi-professional specialization and diverse delivery models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a refined definition of palliative care.
- To delineate between basic and specialized palliative care services.
- To outline key priorities for standardizing and ensuring universal access to palliative care for cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a new definition for palliative care: 'person-centred attention to symptoms, psychological, social and existential distress in patients with limited prognosis, in order to optimise the quality of life of patients and their families or close friends.'
- It further categorizes palliative care into 'Basic palliative care' (provided by all healthcare professionals) and 'Specialised palliative care' (provided by expert multi-professional teams).
- Recommendations for improving access and standardization are presented, including integration with primary care and oncology, specialized services, education, research, quality assurance, and drug access.
Main Results:
- A proposed definition of palliative care is presented, emphasizing person-centered attention to distress and quality of life optimization.
- Two distinct levels of palliative care are proposed: Basic and Specialized, reflecting current delivery realities.
- Key priorities for standardization and access include integration, specialized services, education, research, quality assurance, and improved drug access.
Conclusions:
- Palliative care should be recognized as a fundamental human right for all cancer patients, accessible 24/7.
- The proposed definition and categorization of palliative care aim to enhance its delivery and accessibility.
- Implementing the outlined priorities is crucial for standardizing palliative care and improving outcomes for cancer patients and their families.