Analysis of palliative care in Panama

Abstract

Palliative care according to WHO is a planning that improves the quality of life of both adult and child patients and their relatives when facing problems inherent to a life-threatening illness. More than anything else, it is a care service that aims to prevent and alleviate suffering through early identification, assessment and correct treatment of pain. Worldwide, it is estimated that 40 million people need palliative care each year, which means that in Panama about 9.8% of the population needs palliative care as primary health care. Therefore, according to the study analysis, palliative care has been practiced for more than 25 years. In Panama there are groups that provide home, hospital and/or outpatient care, such as HOSPES, Clínica alivio del dolor del ION, GANET, ANCEC, etc. Finally, in 2010 the National Palliative Care Program of Panama was created under Resolution 499.