Implementing the WHO Indicators for Assessing Palliative Care Development in Three Countries: A Do-It-Yourself Approach

Context

Palliative care is an essential health service, with over 56.8 million people needing it yearly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Assembly has recognized palliative care as an ethical responsibility and called for comprehensive primary health care. The World Health Organization has published a technical report titled "Assessing the Development of Palliative Care Worldwide," as a crucial first step in addressing palliative care. The report includes 14 indicators to help decision-makers identify service provision gaps and inform health priorities, piloted by WHO's ATLANTES in Benin, Morocco, and Uruguay as part of a global assessment.

Objectives

To describe, for the three countries, the primary outcomes and lessons learned to enable replication in further countries.

Methods

A step-by-step description of the assessment project, a summary of the main results obtained through evaluations, and a description of how the selected countries effectively implemented the WHO indicators through a six-step process, including a phase of action plan design. We advocated a 'Do-it-yourself' approach.

Results

The summary data from three country reports reveals national development at a national level. A SWOT analysis involving consultants and program managers was conducted. A stakeholder guide was developed, providing trigger questions and practical recommendations for assessing development using specific indicators. Full information can be found in the specific published reports.

Conclusion

The WHO approach has proven effective in identifying health system deficiencies and disseminating information about palliative care evaluation processes. The report provides a 'Do-it-yourself' approach, encouraging self-management without expert guidance.