Problem Background
My perception of the state of palliative care services has been significantly impacted by my contact with a man named Andy on the streets of Spain who had fled his home in England after learning he had cancer. Even though we worked hard to get Andy into hospice, he passed away three weeks after he arrived, showing the difficulties that people without the proper papers or family support confront.
I am inspired to fight for better services because I have firsthand experience with the flaws in the palliative care system, and I want to make sure that everyone facing the end of life has the support and care they require, regardless of their circumstances. In this essay, I will talk about my interactions with Andy and my dream for a palliative care system that is more accessible and empathetic.
Research
An investigation into the experiences of non-resident patients seeking palliative care in the UK was the goal of the study named by Foster et al. (2019). According to the survey, non-resident patients experienced a variety of difficulties, such as navigating intricate healthcare systems, getting the proper care, and overcoming linguistic obstacles (Foster et al., 2019). The study emphasized the significance of providing patients from various cultural backgrounds with care that is responsive to their particular needs and preferences.
The findings suggest that healthcare providers should prioritize supportive care, clear communication, and patient education in order to provide more patient-centered care. Enhancing non-resident patients’ access to palliative care in the UK necessitates a concerted effort from healthcare practitioners, decision-makers, and community organizations.
Challenge
Palliative care might need to be significantly reorganized if it is to be provided to transient non-natives who demand more help and attention. Medical care must be provided to those without proof of insurance at the appropriate level. Therefore, I argue that healthcare professionals should improve end-of-life care for foreigners in different countries in order to make palliative care more accessible throughout Europe.
In their non-native countries, foreigners frequently lack access to adequate end-of-life care that is attentive to their requirements. Especially when they go alone, it is not uncommon for people who unexpectedly enter hospice care to feel that the support, care, and understanding of their social circumstances are insufficient.
More knowledge of palliative care in Europe and future patient financial choices are needed to address this problem. For instance, patients who have received traumatic death diagnoses might choose to travel alone, carelessly, or frightened for the last time, which could put them in need of palliative care when they are outside of their home country.
There are many obstacles to the delivery of palliative care services in Europe that should be overcome right away. According to the data, more individuals are dying in their old age, and the death rate is rising each year. The demands of the aging population will vary as it gets older, and this will call for a shift in the way care is provided.
It is expected that international patients may require palliative care more frequently in the future due to the large number of refugees and continuous hostilities, which would raise demand for rural settings, primary care, and hospice care. I suggest starting a program that offers sympathetic assistance and support to adult foreign patients traveling to Europe who need palliative treatment in order to address this problem.
Solution
Compassionate Care for Terminally Ill Patients Abroad
The suggested program intends to provide patients with terminal illnesses who are stranded abroad and on their final vacation with a sympathetic and empathic approach. Regardless of the cause of uncertainty, the objective is to raise awareness of and advocate a compassionate approach to palliative care for each individual. Many of these individuals are treated as homeless in their host country, alone, and traumatized by diagnoses. We can provide these patients with the solace they need in their dying days by providing them with genuine support, empathy, and kindness. In order to improve the quality of life of these patients, it will be crucial to develop a program that provides compassionate care to adult international patients who require palliative care in Europe.
Research and Collaborative Approaches to Palliative Care
It is critical to carry out research on finance and commissioning approaches that make palliative care accessible to foreigners or travelers encountering this situation. A new style of working is required to deliver better service because the current environment is not well-organized for this model, and a more collaborative approach is needed. There must be an adequate supply of experts in each European Union nation to collaborate with general primary care to deliver vital palliative care services. Making palliative care is a public concern, and enlisting more volunteers requires that individuals who provide primary palliative care have support, guidance, and training.
Integrated Palliative Care for Foreign Visitors: Improving Standards and Addressing Misconceptions
Ensuring the security, comfort, and appropriate care of foreign visitors to Europe, particularly those who have been traumatized by a life-threatening diagnosis, is a top priority. An integrated palliative care model is suggested to accomplish this purpose, and it is made to correspond with the patient’s choices and goals as they draw closer to the end of their lives.
The project’s goal is to improve the standard of palliative care for adult travelers in Europe, regardless of their socioeconomic situation, age, gender, or race. This strategy was developed through a participatory process of engagement with critical stakeholders. Using the services of volunteer palliative care professionals as needed will help the area of palliative care receive the required support. Additionally, it is indeed vital to adapt services to the particular needs of other cultural groups or individuals. People and healthcare providers commonly conflate palliative care and hospice care. This needs to be addressed by offering both online and in-person mentorship to support the growth of the local workforce.
Reference
Foster, L., Selman, L. E., Freeman, R., Dowding, D., & Brooks, J. C. (2019). Palliative care for non-resident patients in the UK: a qualitative study. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 25(6), 292-299. Web.