Palliative care service in Cyprus, a population-based needs assessment based on routine mortality data

Abstract

Background: Cyprus is currently forming its public healthcare system aiming to accompany people from cradle to grave. This population-based palliative care service needs assessment was performed under increasing demographic, economic, and societal pressures.Objectives: The primary aim was to assess the palliative care service needs in Cyprus using routine mortality data and this was achieved by: (a) analysis of mortality death registration statistics making inferences to palliative care needs; (b) reviewing existing palliative care service provision in Cyprus.Methods: Data derived from death registrations from January 2011 to December 2013 were analysed using specific International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems –10th Revision codes. The method developed by Rosenwax and Murtagh with further refinement of the disease categorisations was used to give a population-based estimate of palliative care needs at a minimum and at a maximum value, combined with symptom prevalence.Results: Out of the 5500 people on average dying in Cyprus annually, a minimum 2634 and a maximum 3927 could benefit from a palliative care service. Palliative care provision in Cyprus today focuses almost exclusively on cancer, depending largely on philanthropic funding with some services being reduced despite evidence of increasing need.Conclusion: Palliative care should be integrated into the public healthcare system with appropriate resource allocation. Recommendations are made to facilitate this.