APCA and HAPCA conference, Johannesburg, South Africa.
By Ruth I. Njenga (UK)
I wish to express my appreciation to the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) for awarding me a travelling scholarship to attend the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) and Hospice and Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HAPCA) conference. The conference’s theme was “The net effect: spanning diseases, crossing borders”.
The nature of palliative care was evidenced by the presence of internationally renowned experts in global health and public policy through plenary sessions and workshops. Five hundred delegates from 34 African countries were represented. Networking was an important aspect that afforded me the opportunity to engage with colleagues and renowned researchers from different countries to exchange ideas and points of view. I was encouraged to learn more about the importance of research. Central to my on-going study, l had the opportunity to engage physicians from various countries about their perceptions of palliative care. During the conference there was an emphasis from several speakers on the role of research and the development of rigorous “African-originated evidence”.
One of the key highlights during the conference was the African Palliative Care Research Network (APCRN) workshop. The workshop was aimed at discussing the status of palliative care research in Africa and sharing effective strategies for generating and using research evidence to advance the palliative care agenda on the continent. This workshop presented a unique opportunity to hear and learn from experts. I recognized the significant role of research and the differences between the development of research in developed and developing countries. In light of this, l appreciate the relevant information shared on innovative research, methodology and best practices in palliative care research.
The calls for prioritizing and advancing a research agenda were clear. I learned that the paucity of palliative care research in Africa is characterized by the “lack of researchers, the necessary skills sets and infrastructure” to generate the necessary research evidence.
Once again, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the IAHPC for awarding me a scholarship to attend this conference. As an aspiring researcher in Kenya, my objectives at the conference were achieved. My participation generated a greater sense of confidence, motivation and commitment to complete my research studies.
Ruth I. Njenga is currently a PhD student at Lancaster University, UK
Email: [email protected]
Asia Pacific Hospice and Palliative Care conference, Bangkok, Thailand
By Shaji S Nair (India)
I attended the Asia Pacific Hospice and Palliative care conference in Bangkok, Thailand thanks to a travel award granted to me by the IAHPC.
It was a huge success because of the participation of stalwarts in the field and representatives from many countries in the Asia Pacific region. The topics discussed were of paramount importance in the ever emerging discipline of palliative care. As a beginner, I had a rich exposure to the newest trends in palliative care.
Though we extend our services in India to a patient population of 98,000, we do not offer any constructive services in pediatric palliative care. The conference had a special theme of pediatric palliative care, which threw more light on the subject and I am confident that I will be better equipped to serve the pediatric patients because of it. The needs based care in children with terminal illness as discussed in the conference was really an eye opener for me.
Pain in chronic illnesses is an ancient symptom, but the management strategies are still in evolution, but with the new trends in pain management suited to the needs of specific populations it will be highly beneficial in the long run.
Healing and spirituality were discussed in detail and these topics were altogether new experiences for me.
I had a poster presentation in the conference. The title of the poster was ‘Palliative care for all through community participation - the Kerala model.’ I attempted to present through the poster the process of reaching out to a marginalized population with specialist palliative care services with community participation.
What was most important for me was what I learned by interacting with the giants in the field while at the same time developing a focus on how to provide better service to ailing fellow citizens in my country.
I believe that because of the rich educational experiences I gained during this conference my work as a palliative care nurse educator will be more fruitful and meaningful.
I thank the Board of Directors of IAHPC for awarding me a travel grant, without which it might not have been possible for me to attend the conference.
Shaji S Nair is currently nurse educator in palliative care under the National Rural Health Mission in the Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala State, India.
Email: [email protected]
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