Summary:
APCP calls for increased funding and training in palliative care services.
Nearly 50% of patients referred for palliative care died waiting for a bed last year.
Catarina Pazes highlighted the failure in organization and coordination between care networks.
Over 12% of patients lived more than an hour away from their palliative care unit, impacting access.
The situation for pediatric palliative care is particularly dire, with insufficient resources available.
Portuguese Association Advocates for Better Palliative Care Funding
The Portuguese Association of Palliative Care (APCP) is calling for increased funding, training, and organization to improve access to palliative care services. Recently, a report from the Health Regulatory Entity (ERS) revealed that nearly half of the patients referred for palliative care last year died while waiting for a bed.
In statements to Lusa, APCP President Catarina Pazes highlighted that funding is not the only issue at play. "There are various problems, including the organization and coordination between the continuous care network and the palliative care network, which has failed," she stated.
Catarina emphasized the need for adequate funding to ensure quality care, noting, "This has not been met from our perspective." The association argues that simply increasing financial investment is not enough; there is also a critical need for professional training and skill development among staff working in these units.
Pazes pointed out that patients waiting for palliative care often face dire circumstances, whether at home, in hospitals, or emergency services, and they require timely responses to their needs. Unfortunately, the lack of timely responses and trained professionals exacerbates the situation.
The ERS report also indicated that over 12% of patients referred to palliative care in 2023 lived more than an hour away from their assigned unit, particularly affecting regions like Centro and Algarve where such services are scarce. This distance often leads patients to decline available spaces, worsening their conditions during critical times.
The APCP stresses that palliative care must become a priority for everyone, ensuring dignity during serious illnesses, not only for adults but also for children, where the situation is even more severe. Catarina pointed out the lack of inpatient care and community support for pediatric palliative care, emphasizing the need for resources to support both children and their families during challenging times.
"Parents who are caregivers throughout their lives lack support and opportunities for respite, as there are no units that ensure safe and necessary care for children," she concluded.
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