Traveling Scholars Program Report
Savita Butola, DR
Travel date: February 11, 2022
Name of Meeting/Event/Activity: 29th International Conference of Indian Association for Palliative Care
Origin: North Tripura, India / Destination: Jaipur, India
How was this meeting/activity helpful to you?
I wanted to learn about: fund- raising, advocacy and starting services in rural and under-served areas in developing countries. This online conference enable me to learn about the latest advances in all these areas from experienced faculty around the globe. As it was a virtual conference, it allowed me to attend it even during the travel restrictions due to the pandemic, which would not have been possible with a physical conference.
How will you new knowledge & acquired skills help in furthering your work in hospice and palliative care in your program/city/ or country?
I have learnt about various successful models from other low -income countries, various innovations as well as training programmes that I can incorporate in my own work and in the state where I am currently working to: start new services, improve the quality of existing services and take steps to ensure equity in access for all.
How IAHPC Traveling Scholars Program be improved in order to help other future traveling scholars?
It is already a great program.
Narrative summary highlighting the needs and challanges you face
Needs: Palliative care training and education at primary level so that equity in access is ensured. Access to services in rural and far- flung areas. Access to opioids. Challenges: Attitude of healthcare workers, Lack of awareness at all levels- healthcare workers, policy makers, beneficiaries and Lack of resources. New things and skills learnt: Fund raising, Networking, New training programmes and scholarships available for students and staff, Initiatives taken by regional palliative care associations, Research methodology and Teaching methodology for adult learners.