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Palliative Care in Italy: Access and Challenges

This article examines the state of palliative care services in Italy, highlighting disparities in access, challenges, and government initiatives aimed at improvement. It focuses on the need for increased resources, personnel, and infrastructure, particularly in pediatric care.

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Italian

Italy

Human Rights ViolationsHealthHealthcareItalyChildrenPalliative CareAccess

World Health Organization (Who)Società Italiana Cure Palliative (Sicp)Federazione Cure Palliative (Fcp)Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance

Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusGino GobberTania PiccioneStefano Bellon

What are palliative care services and what is their primary goal?: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. It addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, providing relief from pain and other symptoms while respecting the patient's dignity and autonomy.
What is the World Health Organization's stance on the provision of palliative care?: The World Health Organization (WHO) Resolution 67.19 advocates for integrating palliative care into healthcare systems worldwide, recognizing it as a universal right. However, significant disparities exist in access, with many low- and middle-income countries lacking adequate resources.
What is the current situation of palliative care services in Italy, and what are the main challenges?: In Italy, despite legal recognition of the right to palliative care, access remains limited for both adults and children. While there's a recognized need for substantial expansion of services, resource constraints and workforce shortages pose significant challenges.
What are the Italian government's plans to improve access to palliative care, and what obstacles exist?: The Italian government aims to improve access through initiatives like the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the establishment of palliative care networks. However, these initiatives face obstacles in terms of implementation and require sufficient funding and healthcare personnel.
What is the specific situation regarding pediatric palliative care in Italy, and what is needed to address the shortfall?: The significant shortfall in pediatric palliative care services in Italy highlights the urgent need for increased investment and infrastructure development. Expansion of hospice facilities and specialized care is essential to address the unmet needs of children with life-limiting conditions.

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