In Romania, access to palliative care remains limited, although studies show that oncological patients who have received such care have enjoyed an increased life expectancy, compared to those who did not benefit from palliation.
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Globally, over 56.8 million people need palliative care annually, but only about 14% actually benefit from them, the World Health Organization shows.
In Romania, access to palliative care remains limited, although the need is huge. Official data, according to a report of palliative care service providers, shows that in many of the counties in Romania such services are absent, and at national level, the state covers only 5% of the need for palliative care.
“Paliation has two main directions. The first refers to patients who have no chance of healing and for whom the quality of life becomes the central goal. The second, as important, aims at oncological patients, such as chemotherapy.
Between two cures, their body needs support – hydroelectrolytic rebalancing, additional vitamins or other personalized therapies recommended by the doctor. These interventions are essential for the preparation of the body and mind for the next treatment stage”, Explains Petronela Gălățeanu, the manager of the M -hospital who and the operational director.
She stated that at the clinic she manages I receive, on average, five requests a day, but not all lead to hospitalizations.
“The duration of hospitalization depends on the patient’s pathology and the condition in which it arrives. In the case of oncological patients, we can have situations in which a few hours remain, if they are brought very late, but also cases in which the hospitalization extends over 2-3 months. In neurological diseases, especially dementia, we have patients admitted even one year.”says Petronela Gălățeanu.
A patient in the palliation benefits from the support of a multidisciplinary team. This includes a doctor with competence in palliative care, cardiologist, neurologist or other specialists, depending on the pathology, but also a psychologist, kinetotherapist, occupational therapist and nutritionist.
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