Early impact of the 2014 World Health Assembly Resolution on palliative care: a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with key experts

Carrasco, J. M., Inbadas, H. , Whitelaw, A. and Clark, D. (2021) Early impact of the 2014 World Health Assembly Resolution on palliative care: a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with key experts. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 24(1), pp. 103-106. (doi: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0384) (PMID:32191149) (PMCID:PMC7757691)

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Abstract

Background: In 2014, the World Health Assembly (WHA) approved the Resolution “Strengthening of palliative care as a component of comprehensive care throughout the life course” (WHA67.19), urging national governments to carry out actions to develop palliative care. Objective: To establish the origins and assess the influence and early impact of this Resolution. Methods: Semistructured interviews conducted with key informants (n = 20). A thematic content analysis was conducted and triangulated on the transcriptions. Results: The collaborative work done by Non-State Actors, palliative care associations, individuals, Member States, and the World Health Organization (WHO) itself was crucial to the drafting and the approval of WHA67.19. Several post-Resolution actions undertaken by the WHO were highlighted (e.g., appointment of a dedicated officer and the creation of advisory working groups) and its role was identified as a key element in the implementation. Inadequate funding, lack of resources, and cultural factors were the most relevant barriers to implementation. The wide network of NGOs and palliative care associations was identified as the main facilitator. The key identified impact of the Resolution was its value as an advocacy tool and its contribution to raising awareness about palliative care around the world. Conclusions: Despite the lack of indicators to monitor the implementation of Resolution WHA67.19, key experts evaluate its effects in the short term as positive. Policy potential and its use in championing palliative care are its main early successes. The role of Non-State Actors, the WHO, and Member States working together is crucial to achieving its goals.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clark, Professor David and Inbadas, Reverend D Hamilton and Carrasco, Dr Jose and Whitelaw, Dr Alexander
Authors: Carrasco, J. M., Inbadas, H., Whitelaw, A., and Clark, D.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Journal of Palliative Medicine
Publisher:Mary Ann Liebert
ISSN:1096-6218
ISSN (Online):1557-7740
Published Online:19 March 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 José Miguel Carrasco et al.
First Published:First published in Journal of Palliative Medicine 24(1): 103-106
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
170345Interventions at the end of life: social, historical and comparative analysis to promote global improvement.David ClarkWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)103319/Z/13/ZIS - Interdisciplinary Studies