Palliative care in Croatia [Новость добавлена - 25.02.2008]

Palliative care in Croatia

The need for implementing and integrating palliative care in medical care in Croatia has been discussed extensively since 1990. Palliative care is considered a basic human right and a fundamental right for patients. The law on medical care in Croatia passed in 2003 clearly defines palliative care and allows and encourages the foundation of palliative care services in primary care institutions, but these are far from being realised as yet. The population of Croatia is approximately 4.5 million inhabitants. It is a traditional society characterised by the traditional family model of two-three generations living together under the same roof. The family ties are still very strong and people do care for their relatives. However, professional help is also needed especially when the family encounters the end-of-life related problems of a family member. It is important to add that the population in Croatia is growing older day by day, the result being that now every sixth person is older than 65. Similar to other countries in the world, the number of patients suffering from malignant diseases is increasing in Croatia. The statistics clearly show epidemic tendencies. In 2005, for example, 12.500 patients died of malignant diseases. Treatment has been provided in bigger centres like the ones in Zagreb, Osijek, Rijeka and Split. Unfortunately there are neither palliative care units nor palliative care teams in any of these institutions, and the palliative approach is rarely adopted. The surgeries of primary care doctors are overcrowded with patients. Doctors are trying to meet the demands of patients, but their capacity is limited and they are often overstressed. Only a small percentage of patients (1.54%) receive home care. Thus the quality of life of patients and their families becomes a major issue. Despite all difficulties, the Regional Hospice Centre in Zagreb managed to organise and provide palliative care services for patients. A group of people consisting of three doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, and non-professional volunteers offer their help on voluntary basis. Since 2000 we have helped more than 1000 patients and their families. We have effectuated more than 3000 hospice home visits. However, palliative care cannot be based solely on voluntary work. All doctors have their full time jobs as well and thus they cannot be always available whenever the patients need them. We do hope that the government of Croatia will recognise the great need for a professionally organised palliative care and we trust that things will improve in the near future. Matija Rimac MD rimacmatija@yahoo.com

The Palliative Care in Central and Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union Countries Monthly Email Newsletter January 2008