Cultural Challenges in Implementing Palliative Care Services in Jordan
Journal Title: Palliative Medicine & Hospice Care – Open Journal - Year 2017, Vol 0, Issue 1
Abstract
Palliative care in Jordan is considered to be advanced in comparison to that of other Middle East countries. According to Jordanian leaders of palliative care, Jordan is not different from advanced countries in applying principles and approaches of palliative care. There are many cultural challenges hinder provision of these services. First, fear of addiction by patients, family and healthcare providers prevent them from providing adequate pain management. Second, lack of adequate knowledge regarding pain management among healthcare providers is also a great challenge. In addition, health policies and inadequacy of palliative services make the problem worse. Third, fear of family and physician to refer patients to palliative care as it is considered to be failure of treatment. Fourth, lack of family participation in most medical and end-of-life decisions deprive patients from receiving proper palliative care. Finally, religious misconceptions force patient to suffer pain to an intolerable level and prevent them from seeking immediate medical help. To overcome these challenges, it is recommended to improve palliative health policy at national level, include palliative care materials in health curriculum, raise public awareness of palliative care, and provide more opportunities for palliative training and research.
Authors and Affiliations
Khaled Khader
Keywords
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- EP ID EP560852
- DOI 10.17140/PMHCOJ-SE-1-114
- Views 134
- Downloads 0
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