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

Abstract

Context: Palliative care is an essential health service, with over 56.8 million people needing it yearly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Assembly has recognized palliative care as an ethical responsibility and called for comprehensive primary health care. The World Health Organization has published a technical report titled "Assessing the Development of Palliative Care Worldwide," as a crucial first step in addressing palliative care. The report includes 14 indicators to help decision-makers identify service provision gaps and inform health priorities, piloted by WHO's ATLANTES in Benin, Morocco, and Uruguay as part of a global assessment.

Objectives: To describe, for the three countries, the primary outcomes and lessons learned to enable replication in further countries.

Methods: A step-by-step description of the assessment project, a summary of the main results obtained through evaluations, and a description of how the selected countries effectively implemented the WHO indicators through a six-step process, including a phase of action plan design. We advocated a 'Do-it-yourself' approach.

Results: The summary data from three country reports reveals national development at a national level. A SWOT analysis involving consultants and program managers was conducted. A stakeholder guide was developed, providing trigger questions and practical recommendations for assessing development using specific indicators. Full information can be found in the specific published reports.

Conclusion: The WHO approach has proven effective in identifying health system deficiencies and disseminating information about palliative care evaluation processes. The report provides a 'Do-it-yourself' approach, encouraging self-management without expert guidance.

Keywords: Assessment; Development; Global health; Palliative care; Public health.