Incorporating Palliative Care Training in Medical Curriculum: A Step Towards Social Accountability

Abstract

The escalating burden of “serious health related suffering” due to long term illness especially in Low  Middle Income Countries  is a matter of serious concern. It point towards strengthening of health system at primary,secondary and tertiary care level in provision of palliative care services.There has been a palliative care policy for the State of Kerala,India since 2008 which has mandated  establishment of nurse led  community based palliative care units  enlisting community participation and volunteerism integrated with Primary Health care under   stewardship of local self governments in every district . Between 2008 and 2018 the primary and secondary palliative care services were functioning well in all districts but  it was lagging behind  at tertiary care level(Medical College) .Hence the Revised Palliative Care Policy of 2019 has brought forth action plan to establish palliative care units in a phased manner in  Medical Colleges from 2023. Inclusion of concepts of palliative care in medical curriculum and training of students in community based palliative care is a step towards social accountability of  Medical Colleges in Kerala in the current context.Major domains under   “Action Areas” may include Capacity building,Curriculum Implementation,.Commencing Palliative Care Units ,Linking students with Community Based Home Care,  Administrative/Financial  Support,Review/Monitoring for Quality and      Research for evidence generation  to be set out   as  short,mid and long term plans with targets. A policy directive through Kerala University of Health Sciences and roping in WHO demonstration centers  for palliative care in the State may be an opportunity to overcome the threats of competing  priorities and constraints in time.