Implementação de cuidados paliativos em São Tomé e Príncipe

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care (PC) is the active holistic care of individuals across all ages (children and adults) with serious health-related suffering due to severe illness and especially of those near the end of life. More than 61 million people experience health conditions associated with suffering that could be significantly ameliorated through PC, with a disproportionate number (more than 80%) of these in low-income and middle income countries. In African countries, access to culturally appropriate, holistic palliative care is at best limited, and at worst non-existent. São Tomé e Príncipe (STP) is an insular Portuguese speaking country, with 214.610 habitants and no formal PC implemented in the country. The objective of this study is to do a situation analysis of the current situation of STP, assess PC needs and design a strategic plan for the development of PC in the country. Methodology: For the situation analysis, data were collected from national and international public resources and scientific publications. To determine the best strategy for starting PC in the country and define an operationalization plan, a work group was constituted, including members of STP National Health System, and gathered in a FOCUS group meeting. Results and conclusions: Based on the situation analysis, a project for implementation of PC in STP within a structured and sustainable framework was developed. The project is to be executed in the next four years, integrated in the program “Health for all” of the Instituto Marquês de Valle Flôr, in liaison with public authorities, namely the Minister of Health of STP, with the support of the African Association of PC.

Date of Award	9 Jan 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Manuel Luís Capelas (Supervisor) & Eve Namisango (Co-Supervisor)