My visit to Institute of Palliative Medicine, Matara, Sri Lanka -Dr. Kusum Kumari

My immersive visit to the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Matara, Sri Lanka, provided a profoundly insightful perspective on the intricacies of palliative care delivery within a resource-constrained setting.

The Institute, a beacon of compassionate care in the southern province, operates under a community-based model, extending its services to patients’ homes and peripheral clinics, thereby mitigating the challenges posed by limited infrastructure and accessibility.

During my time at the institute, I observed firsthand the unwavering dedication of the multidisciplinary team, comprising physicians, nurses, counselors, and volunteers, working synergistically to alleviate the multifaceted suffering of patients and their families.

Prof. Samadhi Rajapaksha is founder director of the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Matara, Sri Lanka. Dr. Rajapaksa has proved that community palliative care model that fit well into Sri Lankan culture. Dr. Rajapaksa’s team expanded this model to the Northern Province in 2015, the North Central and Western Provinces in 2016, and are having discussions with communities to cover the Eastern Province in the future.

The team’s holistic approach encompassed not only physical symptom management but also addressed the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions of care, recognizing the interconnectedness of these elements in shaping the patient’s overall well-being.

I was particularly struck by the emphasis on open communication and shared decision-making, empowering patients to actively participate in shaping their care plans and ensuring that their values and preferences were honored.

Palliative care underscores the importance of considering cultural nuances and individual beliefs in tailoring care interventions. The Institute, deeply rooted in the local community, demonstrated a profound understanding of the cultural context, adapting its practices to align with the values and traditions of the population it served.

From what I observed the institute have successfully implemented strategies to address the unique needs of the local community, by integrating traditional healing practices with modern medical approaches, thereby fostering greater acceptance and trust among patients and families.

The integration of palliative care into the broader healthcare system in Sri Lanka faces numerous hurdles, including limited resources, inadequate training, and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals.

Despite these challenges, the Institute of Palliative Medicine stands as a testament to the transformative potential of palliative care in alleviating suffering and enhancing the quality of life for patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

The Institute’s commitment to education and advocacy is pivotal in fostering a deeper understanding of palliative care principles and promoting its integration into mainstream healthcare.

One aspect that deserves particular attention is the integration of palliative care with intensive care. Specialized palliative care teams can provide support for their surgical colleagues, especially for patients with complex psychosocial or spiritual needs or those with unresolved symptoms.

Challenges faced to develop and meet the needs of patients and families, Furthermore, there is a demand for increased training in the successful execution of team practices. The experience underscored the importance of addressing cultural barriers and communication challenges in palliative care settings. Cultural norms within a social context shape the organizational culture and services of a team, thus exerting an influence on the services offered. The organizational culture plays a significant role in shaping the perception, care, and integration of seriously ill children within the organization or service.

The experience also highlighted the critical role of teamwork and inter-professional collaboration in delivering comprehensive palliative care.

The Institute fostered a collaborative environment where professionals from diverse backgrounds worked together, leveraging their unique skills and expertise to provide holistic care. The experience emphasized the importance of ongoing research and quality improvement initiatives in advancing the field of palliative care. The Institute actively engaged in research activities to evaluate the effectiveness of its interventions and identify areas for improvement.

My overall experience was a source of inspiration.