Out-of-pocket costs near end of life in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Reid, E; Ghoshal, A; Khalil, A; Jiang, J; Normand, C; Brackett, A; May, P

Journal article

Out-of-pocket costs near end of life in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Abstract:: Approximately 60 million people require palliative care worldwide, and nearly 80% of them live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Providing palliative care in remote and rural areas of LMICs requires special consideration to ensure equitable access to healthcare. This perspective aims to deliver pragmatic, context-oriented policy recommendations designed to improve palliative care outcomes in Kazakhstan by capitalizing on existing resources and considering its unique geopolitical and sociocultural context. With approximately half of the population in Kazakhstan residing in remote and rural regions, the provision of healthcare services – specifically palliative care – mandates particular attention to ensure equal access to high-quality care. To understand challenges of implementing palliative care in remote and rural regions of Kazakhstan and to propose tailored solutions, 29 key stakeholders, including family caregivers, health professionals, and palliative care administrators, were identified in five regions of Kazakhstan. The main challenges encountered by family caregivers include lack of palliative care skills, the need for home-based care from mobile services, and high out-of-pocket expenditures. The challenges highlighted by healthcare providers and administrators were the lack of formal education in palliative care, shortage of opioids, and limited societal awareness and state support. Based on challenges elaborated from stakeholders and existing literature in palliative care and family caregiving, this perspective advocates against replicating the strategies implemented in high-income countries. Family caregivers play a critical role in implementing affordable and efficient palliative care in resource-limited settings. Enhancing their competencies through digital training and increasing access to palliative care services through mobile teams are tailored and localized solutions that address specific challenges in Kazakhstan. It is postulated that these recommendations may find utility in other LMICs, potentially benefiting nearly 48 million individuals who require these services

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Share
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Reid, E., Ghoshal, A., Khalil, A., Jiang, J., Normand, C., Brackett, A., & May, P. (2022). Out-of-pocket costs near end of life in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLOS Global Public Health, 2(1), e0000005–e0000005.

MLA Style

Reid, E, et al. “Out-of-Pocket Costs near End of Life in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.” PLOS Global Public Health, vol. 2, no. 1, 2022, pp. e0000005–e0000005.

Chicago Style

Reid, E, A Ghoshal, A Khalil, et al. 2022. “Out-of-Pocket Costs near End of Life in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.” PLOS Global Public Health 2 (1): e0000005–e0000005.
Print