Public palliative care: review of key developments and implementation issues

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review identifies and briefly describes palliative care programmes that are integrated into the national or regional health care plans of various countries.

Recent findings: The uneven development of palliative care in clear favour of developed countries, together with the menace that the growing epidemics of cancer and HIV/AIDS represent to the developing world, have heightened interest in promoting integration of palliative care into public health care strategies. Several successful examples exist in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and North America, which may serve as sources of expertise for new initiatives.

Summary: Success in making palliative care a public discipline that is fully integrated into a country's health care system requires considerable effort in terms of advocacy and lobbying. International support from and networking with experienced individuals who are involved in more mature programmes is crucial to changing attitudes and transforming ideas into action, and strategic and sustainable plans.