Institutional drivers for integrating palliative care services in a hospital in a sub-Saharan African military hospital context
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Palliative Care & Social Practice
Abstract
Background: The growing burden of life-threatening illnesses and advancements in care
interventions call for the intentional integration of palliative care services into existing care
systems. The absence of active, functioning palliative care services in most hospitals in Ghana
is a major concern. This study explored the factors influencing the integration of palliative
care services in one of such institutions.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the institutional drivers of palliative care
integration in a military health facility.
Design: Exploratory qualitative study.
Methods: We employed a qualitative exploratory study design situated within a constructivist
paradigm. A purposive sampling method was used to select and interview 11 healthcare
professionals. A semistructured interview was used to conduct face-to-face, in-depth
interviews with participants between April and May 2022. A thematic data analysis was done
based on the Braun and Clarke analysis process with the aid of QSR NVivo-12.
Results: The six themes that describe the institutional driving factors for integrating palliative
care services were cognitive restructuring, supportive logistics and infrastructure, staffing,
healthcare professional skills, institutional policies and priorities, and utilization of focal
persons. It was observed that a paradigm shift in the mindset of healthcare professionals
and administrators was a major driver that would determine the integration of palliative care
services. A cognitive restructuring will facilitate a more aggressive integration of palliative
care services because logistics, staffing, and medication access will be prioritized.
Conclusion: Institutions have the responsibility of aligning with the WHO policy on palliative
care service access and must invest in training, staffing, prioritizing palliative care needs
and policies, procurement of essential drugs, and the provision of logistics and supportive
infrastructure to scale up the implementation of palliative care services
Description
Research Article
Keywords
end-of-life care, health service integration, palliative care, qualitative study