International perspectives

Current status and challenges in hospice and palliative care: a European perspective

Professor Dr Lukas Radbruch, President of the European Association of Palliative Care, introduced us to a case study to illustrate challenges facing the development of palliative care in Europe. He went on to explore similarities and differences across Europe using a SWOT [strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats] analysis.

He highlighted:

• the growth in, but patchy provision of, palliative care
• the influence of culture and language on understanding and the proliferation of various definitions
• the development of standards and norms and the risks of simplistic outcome indicators.

He finished with a mention of the legalisation of euthanasia and expressed concern over the move in some circles to suggest that euthanasia should be part of palliative care.

Making life before death matter: hospice as a centre for healing – a global perspective

There are many perspectives of healing – healing as curing, or as a pursuit of “wholeness”.

Rv. Dr Michael Wright, International Observatory on End of Life Care, suggests that healing is not just about restoration, and that a dimension of hope is important. He took the audience through a world tour to illustrate that the effects of healing are experienced in different ways, and may contribute to a good death for both the dying and their families.

Healthcare and hospice professionals are in a prime position to help facilitate the healing process:

“The essence of hospice is walking the walk with patients…and lighting holes in the dark. Healing is a way to make life before death matter.”

Presentations

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