(Session recording available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnYquVpZ1pA)
Latin America has witnessed an unprecedented event, a true milestone on the path toward more compassionate and human-centred care: the inaugural session of the Course Introduction of Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) ECHO program. This innovative educational course, led by the Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society, in collaboration with the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC), seeks not only to share knowledge but also to build a new network of hope and transformation.
A Wave of Hope: A Community Ready for Change
More than 677 healthcare professionals from across Latin America and beyond enthusiastically registered for the program, demonstrating the pressing need for education in pediatric palliative care in the region. To ensure the quality of training and participation, registration was closed early, and a phased approach was implemented to allow more people to join in future editions.
This echo of voices, united by the desire to alleviate childhood suffering, reflects not only a need but also an opportunity to build a vibrant community of learning, collaboration, and action that transcends borders and transforms lives.
A Gathering of Hearts and Diverse Voices
The inaugural session brought together 99 health and social care professionals from 21 countries representing 50 institutions. From Mexico to Argentina, Costa Rica to Uruguay, and from Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, and Chile, this inspiring and diverse community has connected to share experiences, learn together, and form a network of support without borders.
Among the participants were doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, NGO leaders, administrators, and volunteers. Over 70% of the participants were women, highlighting the crucial role of women as leaders in advancing palliative care in the region.
The Power of Global Collaboration: Facilitators Leaders Who Inspire and Transform
The impact of the program was magnified by the expertise and dedication of its facilitators, who shared not only knowledge but also a vision of compassion and hope:
- Dr. Mercedes Bernadá
A pioneer in pediatric palliative care in Uruguay and a regional reference recognized for her humanistic approach and leadership in public policy.
- Dr. Jorge Alberto Ramos-Guerrero
As a Mexican pediatric palliative care physician, I advocate for compassion as the foundation of care and mentor the next generation of professionals.
- Dr. Hazel M. Gutiérrez
A Costa Rican leader in bioethics and pediatric palliative care, renowned for her interdisciplinary approach focused on the dignity of patients and their families.
Beyond Knowledge: A Network of Hope
At the heart of this initiative lies the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), a global network that not only connects professionals but also inspires movement. ICPCN is much more than an organization; it is a family working tirelessly to ensure that every child matters. No family faces this journey alone, and healthcare professionals find support, resources, and a global community to back them (ICPCN, n.d.).
This program is not just a course; it is a movement. The ICPCN network, strengthened by initiatives like ECHO Latin America PPC, serves as a reminder that together, we can achieve more. Every member, every facilitator, and every participant is a vital piece of this mosaic of compassion and action (hospice, n.d.).
A Curriculum for Transformation
This first edition of the ECHO Latin America is an opportunity for real-world learning, interaction, and professional growth, covering:
- Foundations of pediatric palliative care: Principles, scope, and timely referral.
- Opioids and pain management in children and infants: Indications, safe use, and overcoming barriers.
- Communication in challenging situations: Navigating prognosis, breaking bad news, and advance care planning.
- Management of complex symptoms beyond pain: Approaches to dyspnea, delirium, and other clinical challenges.
- End-of-life care: Supporting children and families with empathy and foresight.
- Grief and bereavement: Understanding and accompanying children and families through loss.
Each session provides practical learning, real-world case discussions, and the opportunity to build a professional network that fosters innovation and breaks isolation.
Why Is This Course Crucial for Latin America?
Latin America faces unique challenges: the prevalence of complex childhood illnesses, inequality in access to palliative services, and a shortage of specific training for multidisciplinary teams (Knaul et al., 2018). According to the Lancet Commission, over 80% of children who require palliative care live in low- and middle-income countries, where training is limited and childhood pain remains an unacceptable reality.
The ECHO Latin America PPC program addresses this gap by providing ongoing, practical, and contextualized education that strengthens the clinical, ethical, and human competencies of local teams. Each session presents an opportunity to share cases, address real-world questions, and establish a professional support network that transcends loneliness and isolation.
A Future Illuminated by Education
As this program progresses, new doors are opening. Upcoming sessions will cover essential topics, including psychosocial support, bioethics, team self-care, and effective communication.
To encapsulate the spirit of this movement, we are reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
ECHO Latin America PPC is a living testament to these words, a beacon of hope that is transforming the landscape of pediatric palliative care in Latin America. Every voice matters. Every experience counts. Together, we are writing a new story of compassion, learning, and hope.
Beyond Training: A Network of Hope
This initiative does more than transmit knowledge; it creates community, breaks professional isolation, and empowers local leaders. The impact multiplies when each participant applies what they have learned to their environment, benefiting hundreds of families.
TWCC’s support has been fundamental in adapting content to the cultural and epidemiological realities of the region, ensuring the training is relevant and applicable (TWCC, 2023).
References
- ehospice. (n.d.). Global news and updates on hospice and palliative care. Retrieved from https://www.ehospice.com
- ICPCN. (n.d.). About ICPCN. Retrieved from https://www.icpcn.org
- Knaul, F. M., Farmer, P. E., Krakauer, E. L., et al. (2017). Alleviating the access abyss in palliative care and pain relief: An imperative of universal health coverage. The Lancet, 391(10128), 1391-1454. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32513-8
- TWCC. (n.d.). Our work. Retrieved from https://www.twoworldscancer.org
- University of New Mexico. (n.d.). Project ECHO: Moving knowledge, not people. Retrieved from https://hsc.unm.edu/echo/
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