Implementing the WHO Indicators for Assessing Palliative Care Development in Three Countries: A Do-It-Yourself...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Services Research
• Palliative Care Development

Background:

• Palliative care is a critical health service for over 56.8 million people annually, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• The World Health Assembly and World Health Organization emphasize palliative care as an ethical imperative within primary health care.
• A WHO technical report introduced 14 indicators for assessing palliative care development and identifying service gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document outcomes and lessons from a palliative care assessment pilot in Benin, Morocco, and Uruguay.
• To provide a replicable framework for evaluating palliative care development in other nations.
• To share insights enabling informed health policy and priority setting.

Main Methods:

• A six-step assessment process, including action plan design, was employed.
• The study utilized a 'Do-it-yourself' approach for country-led evaluations.
• A SWOT analysis and stakeholder guide were developed to support the assessment.

Main Results:

• Pilot assessments in Benin, Morocco, and Uruguay provided national-level development data.
• A stakeholder guide with practical recommendations facilitated indicator implementation.
• The process identified specific health system deficiencies related to palliative care.

Conclusions:

• The World Health Organization's indicator-based approach effectively identifies palliative care system gaps.
• The 'Do-it-yourself' methodology empowers countries to self-assess and manage palliative care development.
• Dissemination of evaluation processes and findings is crucial for global palliative care advancement.