BLOGGING THE VIEW: 5 things you should know about Palliative Care Day

Every year on 12 October, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is observed.

If this is the first you’re hearing of it, make this the year you find out why the second Saturday in October is reserved for this special day, and what you can do to commemorate it.

1. What is palliative care?

This is a specialised form of healthcare provided to support patients and their families, who are facing life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care offers prevention and relief from any suffering, but it goes beyond just the physical, and includes psychosocial and spiritual support.

2. What are the types of palliative care offered?

· Relief from pain and other distressing symptoms
· Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care
· A support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death
· A support system to help the family cope during the patient’s illness
· Addressing the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling
· Enhancing the quality of life and possibly positively influencing the course of illness
· Works in conjunction with other therapies such as chemotherapy

3. When did World Palliative Day begin?

This significant day was first observed in 2005 by a coalition of hospice and palliative care organisations to raise awareness about the importance of this work and advocate for improved access to these services.

4. What can you do to commemorate this day?

You’re already learning more about palliative care, which is an important way to acknowledge it, but there are other ways to show your support.

· Donate to Hospice: Hospice, which provides palliative care worldwide, is in dire need of funding as the organisation is reliant on donations to operate. With funds far stretched right now, every little helps
· Share stories: If you know of someone who has experienced palliative care, share the good work that was done and encourage support
· Go online: Use social media platforms to spread awareness about Palliative Care Day
· Organise: You can organise fundraising events or host awareness events to raise support

5. Fast facts around palliative care

· Each year an estimated 56.8 million people need palliative care, most of whom live in low- and middle-income countries
· For children, 98% of those needing palliative care live in low- and middle-income countries, with almost half in Africa.
· Globally, only about 14% of people in need of palliative care receive it

“Maverick Citizen editor Mark Heywood said palliative care was still mainly an NGO function and despite the existence of legal and policy frameworks for palliative care in South Africa, there was a gap in implementation.” – eHospice

SOURCES: World Health Organization | eHospice

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