corriere.it
\"Inadequate Palliative Care in Italy: A Call for Societal and Systemic Change\"\
Italy's inadequate palliative care stems from society's avoidance of death, leading experts to call for increased investment and a shift in perspective to integrate palliative care with other healthcare services and improve communication with patients.
- What are the primary causes of insufficient palliative care, and what immediate steps can improve the situation?
- The modern healthcare system's avoidance of death leads to inadequate palliative care. Experts highlight the need for increased investment and a shift in perspective, emphasizing that confronting mortality enhances life's meaning and choices.
- How does the cultural avoidance of death impact the quality of palliative care, and what historical changes contribute to this issue?
- The increasing medicalization of death, as opposed to its previous acceptance as a natural process within the family, is a major factor in the insufficient palliative care. A societal shift away from the natural rhythms of life further contributes to this inadequacy, leaving individuals unprepared for the end of life.
- What are the long-term societal and healthcare system changes needed to ensure comprehensive and effective palliative care, addressing both medical and societal aspects?
- Future improvements require integrating palliative care with other healthcare services, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork, and honest communication about uncertainty. Addressing the cultural avoidance of death is crucial for improving end-of-life care and ensuring patients receive holistic support throughout their illness journey.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the increasing medicalization of death as a negative development, highlighting the perceived loss of natural, family-centered end-of-life practices. The use of quotes from experts reinforces this perspective, potentially shaping reader perception.
Language Bias
The article employs emotionally charged language, such as "cancellato" (cancelled) when describing modern society's approach to death. While evocative, such language lacks neutrality and could sway reader opinion. More neutral phrasing like "shifted focus" or "less emphasis" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of palliative care in Italy, potentially omitting diverse perspectives from other countries or healthcare systems. The impact of cultural differences on end-of-life care is not explored.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but it implicitly frames the modern avoidance of death as the opposite of a desirable approach to end-of-life care. This could overshadow alternative viewpoints on managing mortality.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the importance of palliative care and improving end-of-life care, directly impacting the quality of life and well-being of terminally ill patients. It advocates for a holistic approach to care, encompassing physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The call for improved integration of palliative care with other health services also contributes to more efficient and effective healthcare systems, another aspect of SDG 3.