The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is delighted to introduce a collection of Paediatric Palliative Care Modules tailored for parents and caregivers. These modules have been developed through a collaborative effort. The series includes eight modules, each delving into various topics, and they are now accessible in three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
PAHO St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean collaborated in a three-phase project, beginning with a needs assessment survey of caregivers of children with cancer in Peru. Based on this finding, an interdisciplinary team of paediatric palliative care experts developed educational content that was designed and validated by an international committee of palliative care and communication experts.
The collaboration resulted in the development of an eight-module series that introduces caregivers to key concepts of paediatric palliative care, including management of pain, quality of life, and end-of-life care. The series was designed to reduce caregiver stigma associated with PC through culturally sensitive education that addresses the low levels of health literacy among caregivers in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the 15 months since the launch, these modules have been distributed throughout Latin America and were downloaded 2825 times.
Educational materials and anticipatory guidance of palliative care were considered to be a priority for parents and other caregivers of children with cancer throughout Latin America. The materials developed through this project have been widely utilised and are available through the PAHO website. Find more information about the modules HERE.