Palliative care is a critical component of healthcare for patients with life-limiting diseases, especially in countries like Sri Lanka, where the need is profound due to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and the ageing population.
in Sri Lanka, approximately 75% of deaths occur due to chronic non-communicable diseases and nearly 68,000 individuals require palliative care annually, according to 2014 mortality statistics. There is also a significant need of paediatric palliative care in the country. To address this need, the Sri Lanka Paediatric Palliative Care ECHO Series 2.0 was launched, marking a significant step toward building and improving paediatric palliative care services across the nation.
Following the success of the first six-week programme conducted in September 2023, this second course was tailored to meet the needs of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals caring for children with serious illnesses. Supported by key medical organisations Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, Sri Lanka Medical Association, Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, and the National Cancer Institute Sri Lanka (Apeksha Hospital), the programme addressed the growing demand for paediatric palliative care. International collaborations with Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (Canada) and the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care (India) enhanced the programme’s effectiveness, providing an online learning platform that equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to care for children facing life-limiting conditions.
The Sri Lanka Paediatric Palliative Care ECHO Series 2.0 followed the Project ECHO model, connecting healthcare providers with expert mentors through video technology for real-time learning. The six-week course attracted more than 60 healthcare professionals from across Sri Lanka. Through weekly interactive online sessions, case-based discussions, and expert-led lectures, participants deepened their understanding of paediatric palliative care.
The programme was led by a global team from Sri Lanka, India, Canada, and Kuwait, who brought decades of experience in paediatric and palliative medicine. They provided both global insights and practical applications tailored to Sri Lanka’s unique healthcare landscape.
The course content was designed to cover critical aspects of paediatric palliative care, including:
- Introduction to Paediatric Palliative Care in Oncology and Beyond: This session introduced participants to the core principles of paediatric palliative care, highlighting its importance beyond oncology.
- Opioids and Pain Management in Children: Pain management is a cornerstone of palliative care. This session focused on the appropriate use of opioids for paediatric pain relief.
- Communication with Parents, Breaking Bad News: Effective communication is essential when delivering serious news. This module offered strategies for healthcare providers to communicate clearly and compassionately with families.
- Managing Symptoms Other than Pain: This session covered strategies for managing a range of symptoms that children in palliative care often experience.
- End-of-Life Care in Children: End-of-life care is a sensitive and critical aspect of paediatric palliative care. This session provided guidance on compassionate care during this phase.
- Grief and Bereavement: Supporting families through grief and bereavement is an integral part of paediatric palliative care. This module equipped participants with tools to offer emotional support to grieving families.
The programme concluded on August 20, 2024, during which the focus was on reviewing key lessons from the previous weeks and exploring next steps for integrating paediatric palliative care into clinical practice. This session also served as a platform for participants to reflect on their experiences, share success stories, and discuss challenges they had encountered in applying the knowledge gained during the course.
The final session was followed by a closing ceremony, which celebrated the successful completion of the series and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all participants. The participants were also encouraged to stay connected with the faculty and each other, fostering a continued network of support and collaboration.
The quality and impact of the Sri Lanka Paediatric Palliative Care ECHO Series 2.0 was further recognised through an endorsement by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK). This endorsement underscored the programme’s excellence and its contribution to shaping the future of paediatric palliative care education in Sri Lanka and beyond.
By the end of the course, participants had gained valuable insights into paediatric palliative care and were equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide better care for children with life-limiting illnesses. The collaboration between local and international experts created a rich learning environment that will continue to benefit participants and their patients long after the program’s conclusion.
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