What determines the sustainability of community‐based palliative care operations? Perspectives of the social work professionals

Abstract

AbstractThe palliative care services are least operational in India with exception to the State of Kerala where the movement is widespread. Kerala's model of palliative care is known for its community‐based approach and efforts in universalizing the access. This model is unique in the domains of sustainability and mode of interventions. Cognate to the palliative care interventions worldwide, social workers play a crucial role in the service delivery of palliative care interventions in Kerala too. In this context, the present study attempted to explore the determinants of sustainable community‐based palliative care operations from the perspectives of professional social workers. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative research design using an in‐depth interview method. Interviews were conducted with 12 professional social workers engaged in community‐based palliative care delivery in the northern and central region of Kerala, India. The interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed, and further analyzed applying thematic analysis method. Five major themes, holistic care, community participation, volunteerism, resource mobilization, and socio‐political environment, were emerged from the data manifesting as the determinants of successful palliative care interventions. The result of the study has implications for the policymakers, public health professionals, and social workers who are involved in the development of similar models.