Development of a Global Palliative Care Program

Abstract

Background and Aims: Disparities in access to pediatric palliative care (PPC) and pain management remain an under-addressed global health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although integration of palliative care (PC) is currently considered a quality standard in children with cancer, very few hospitals, countries and regions have achieved this standard. The St Jude Global Palliative Care Program was created to define the current state of PC in underserved communities worldwide and drive collaborative interventions with our global partners to relieve the suffering of patients and families facing the challenges of pediatric cancer. We describe the program’s developmental processes and the challenges and success. Method(s): The St Jude Global Palliative Care program was established in 2018 under the leadership of an interdisciplinary team of experts in PPC. It has been developed through 4 fundamental pillars: Research, Education, Capacity Building, and Advocacy. Activities in these areas have been developed in each of the WHO regions. Result(s): From December 2018 to March 2022, the St Jude Global Palliative Care Transversal program has developed 16 educational projects, 7 advocacy activities, 4 projects in capacity building and 4 large research studies. These activities have been conducted in 99 countries from 5 continents. Collaborative work with World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), and the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) has been essential for developing activities. The program has developed a provider network of 1,280 members from every continent of the world. Conclusion(s): The development of regional activities based on a needs assessment is essential to promote the development and prioritization of PPC according to their locoregional needs and resources. We are currently in the process of developing a global PPC strategic plan that we will share at the SIOP meeting.