Strategies for Implementing Palliative Care Services for Cancer Patients in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
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Date
2025
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Publisher
SAGE Publications
Abstract
Palliative care (PC) services are essential for cancer patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs),
where cancer-related deaths are disproportionately high. Despite their significance, access to effective PC remains limited in
many LMIC settings. This systematic review aims to identify strategies for implementing PC services for cancer patients in
these regions, focusing on the challenges faced. A comprehensive search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published
between January 2004 and July 2024, utilizing the databases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The Critical
Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) assessment tool was employed to evaluate the quality of the studies following the Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for transparency. Out of approximately
966 818 articles retrieved, only 17 studies met the defined inclusion criteria. The findings highlighted effective strategies for
delivering PC services in LMICs, including patient navigator-led programs, telemedicine, and home health care services. The
review highlighted several interventions for PC services, including massage, Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), and light
therapies. However, it also identified significant challenges, such as the educational levels of caregivers, patient acceptance of
PC services, logistical issues, medication side effects, and a preference for traditional healing practices. This systematic review
highlights the critical need for effective PC services for cancer patients in LMICs, where cancer-related mortality rates remain
alarmingly high. By synthesizing data from various studies, this analysis offers a comprehensive framework for developing
successful palliative care initiatives in these regions. It emphasizes the importance of training caregivers of cancer patients
to enhance their confidence in delivering palliative care services and counseling patients about the benefits of these services.
Utilizing this information can help practitioners and policymakers improve palliative care services, ultimately enhancing the
quality of life for cancer patients in LMICs.
Sustainable Development Goals
3: Good Health and Well-being
4: Quality Education
9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10: Reduced Inequalities
17: Partnerships for the Goals
Keywords
palliative care, cancer patients, patient navigator-led services, massage therapy, caregivers: low and middle-income countries