Abstract
Evidence-based advocacy within the United Nations system for integration of palliative care into primary health care is essential to inspire and nurture the political will necessary to support the development and funding of national palliative care policy. National policy is, in turn, essential to underwrite clinical delivery that leaves no patient behind. Although International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) has engaged in advocacy since its inception, the board decision to prioritize advocacy as part of the organization's strategic plan has taken it to a more formal level. This piece summarizes the content of the basic advocacy course released for IAHPC members, defines palliative care and advocacy, distinguishes advocacy from lobbying, discusses how an international organization such as the IAHPC advocates for palliative care at the global level, and clarifies the vital feedback loop between advocacy and clinical practice.
Highlights
In 2019, the board and staff of the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), comprising a global multidisciplinary cross section of experts, developed a five-year strategic plan for 2020–2024.1 They identified four mutually reinforcing areas of work, one of which was advocacy
International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) has engaged in advocacy since its inception, the board decision to prioritize advocacy as part of the organization’s strategic plan has taken it to a more formal level. This piece summarizes the content of the basic advocacy course released for IAHPC members, defines palliative care and advocacy, distinguishes advocacy from lobbying, discusses how an international organization such as the IAHPC advocates for palliative care at the global level, and clarifies the vital feedback loop between advocacy and clinical practice
The basic assumptions comprising the IAHPC advocacy theory of change are that (1) palliative care is an element of the right to health, not a privilege, and that (2) since rights, by definition, are universal and publicly guaranteed,[2] implementing them entails the development of public policy
Summary
In 2019, the board and staff of the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), comprising a global multidisciplinary cross section of experts, developed a five-year strategic plan for 2020–2024.1 They identified four mutually reinforcing areas of work, one of which was advocacy. The process concluded with a definition of ‘‘palliative care’’ as ‘‘the active holistic care of individuals across all ages with serious health-related suffering due to severe illness and especially of those near the end of life It aims to improve the quality of life of patients, their families and their caregivers.’’15 Because service delivery of a universal right (on the ground, or at the bedside) entails the development and implementation of funded public policy, the definition stipulates that governments must (1) adopt adequate policies and norms that include palliative care in health laws, national health programs, and national health budgets;. Accredited NGOs, palliative care organizations, and professional associations, many of which are members of IAHPC, can make more headway in this challenging field by developing joint strategies
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