Barriers and Facilitators of Early Palliative Care in the Trajectory of People Living with Chronic Condition: A Mini Review Using Socio-ecological Framework to Inform Public Health Strategy

Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Early Palliative Care for People with Chronic Conditions: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

Chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses are now the leading causes of mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective palliative care integration. A recent mini-review led by Prof. Hartiah Haroen, S.Kp.,MNg.,M.Kes, Ph.D. from Universitas Padjadjaran, in collaboration with Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Universitas Padjadjaran Hospital, and Queensland University of Technology (Australia), sheds light on the multifaceted barriers and facilitators that influence the delivery of early palliative care to patients with chronic illnesses.

Using a socio-ecological framework, the review critically examines factors across four levels:

• Individual (knowledge gaps, emotional responses)
• Interpersonal (family caregiver support)
• Healthcare professionals and policy (education, guidelines, interdisciplinary collaboration)
• Community (societal attitudes and awareness)

The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that address these factors through education, policy reforms, and community engagement. By recognizing and tackling these complex barriers, healthcare systems can enhance early palliative care integration, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, aiming to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, and also supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by addressing access barriers to care.

Read the full study here:
🔗https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S473457