Journal of palliative medicine
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The Latin American Association for Palliative Care (ALCP) developed 10 indicators to monitor the development of palliative care. The indicators have been applied across Latin American countries but have not been used internally. ⋯ The ALCP indicators are useful tools for mapping palliative care development within countries. Further work needs to be carried out to increase their specificity and integrate them in policy design and service delivery.
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There is a pressing workforce shortage and leadership scarcity in palliative care to adequately meet the demands of individuals with serious illness and their families. To address this gap, the Cambia Health Foundation launched its Sojourns Scholars Leadership Program in 2014, an initiative designed to identify, cultivate, and advance the next generation of palliative care leaders. This report intends to summarize the second cohort of Sojourns Scholars' projects and their reflection on their leadership needs. ⋯ Providing comprehensive, coordinated care that is high quality, patient and family centered, and readily available depends on strong leadership in palliative care. The Cambia Scholars Program represents a unique opportunity.
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Measuring suffering objectively presents a challenge because suffering is a unique and subjective experience. However, objective tools are of profound importance in the detection and management of suffering in clinical practice for optimal patient care. ⋯ The Suffering Pictogram is a brief, reliable, and valid instrument to measure suffering in palliative care. The instrument can be used as a screening tool to detect suffering directly.