Factors Associated with Choosing the Kerala Model of Palliative Care versus Standard Care among Indian Cancer Patients



This study investigates the factors influencing the choice between the Kerala Model of Palliative Care (KMPC) and Standard Care (SC) among Indian cancer patients. Using a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, 87 patients (SC = 40, KMPC = 47) from Kerala completed questionnaires assessing pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL). Results revealed that KMPC patients typically had lower educational levels, were self-employed or homemakers, belonged to middle or lower socioeconomic statuses, and relied on government or self-funding. KMPC patients reported higher pain levels but lower anxiety and depression and better QoL across physical, social, functional, and emotional domains compared to SC patients. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced pain management within KMPC and broader community awareness about its benefits. These insights could guide interventions to reduce stigma and support informed patient decisions regarding palliative care preferences.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Palliative Care Movement in Kerala: A Historic Overview

Image
 Kerala, the southern state of India, is celebrated for its achievements in health and education, often cited as a development model by social scientists. However, the state's health system historically prioritized disease prevention and cure, overlooking the emotional and physical relief required by patients beyond the stage of curability. This gap led to the emergence of the palliative care movement, which gained prominence in Kerala, particularly in the Malabar region, setting a precedent for the rest of India. This paper traces the evolution, significance, and impact of the palliative care movement in Kerala’s health system, emphasizing its socio-economic and demographic contexts. Evolution of the Palliative Care Movement Kerala’s palliative care journey began in 1993 with the establishment of the first unit at Kozhikode Medical College, in collaboration with the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM). This initiative marked a paradigm shift in the state’s health model by integ...
Read more

Kerala, India: A Regional Community-Based Palliative Care Model

Image
Kerala, India, has made significant strides in palliative care (PC) through its innovative community-driven model, the Neighborhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC) . This initiative, the world's largest community-owned PC network, comprises over 60 units covering a population exceeding 12 million. It seeks to empower local communities to provide comprehensive care for chronically ill and terminally ill patients, reflecting a groundbreaking model of sustainable, community-based healthcare delivery. The approach leverages the concept of primary healthcare outlined in the WHO's Alma-Ata Declaration, integrating community participation at every level. The NNPC model is rooted in empowering volunteers within local communities through structured training. These volunteers identify the needs of patients and provide support, collaborating with medical professionals to address psychosocial, spiritual, and medical challenges. The network emphasizes home-based care supplemented by outp...
Read more

Twenty years of home-based palliative care in Malappuram, Kerala, India: a descriptive study of patients and their care-givers

Image
The community-based palliative care program in Kerala, India, initiated in 1996 in Manjeri, Malappuram, has evolved over two decades as a model of effective home-based palliative care. This study examines patient demographics, care patterns, and outcomes from 1996 to 2016, alongside caregiver dynamics between 2013 and 2015. Initially focused on cancer patients, the program expanded to include chronic illnesses like cerebrovascular accidents, dementia, and severe mental health issues, reflecting changing healthcare demands. Among 5614 patients enrolled over the study period, 96% had caregivers, predominantly women, emphasizing the program's reliance on familial support. Analysis reveals high retention rates and the critical role of home-based interventions, with physicians and nurses conducting regular visits. Factors influencing care discontinuation included younger age and fewer professional visits, while chronic conditions like CVA prompted higher retention. Manjeri’s pioneering ...
Read more