Volume 23, Number 4: April 2022
Thirteen IAHPC Scholars attended the virtual 29th International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON) in February. A condition of their scholarship—which awarded them full access to the conference—is a post-event report. Note: Each photo was provided by the participant named; all are used with permission.
‘I Learned about the Latest Advances’ in Areas I Needed
Savita Butola, MD
North Tripura, India
At our institution, our needs include more resources, better access to rural areas, access to opioids, and more palliative care training and education at the primary level to ensure equity in access.
At the conference, I wanted to learn about fundraising, advocacy, and starting services in rural and under-served areas in developing countries. The conference enabled me to learn about the latest advances in all these areas from experienced faculty around the globe.
I also learned about new training programs and scholarships available for students and staff, initiatives taken by regional palliative care associations, research methodology, and teaching methodology for adult learners.
As it was a virtual conference, it allowed me to attend despite pandemic travel restrictions. I was even able to do networking.
Poster: (with Damini Butola) Burden and Coping Mechanism among Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A cross-sectional study
‘What I Learned Will Help Me Remove Barriers’ to Palliative Care
Pallavi Singh, MD
Varanasi, India
I enjoyed the online conference, where I received many new updates; overall, it was a nice learning experience. I will apply what I learned in my day-to-day practice, and share with my colleagues what I learned so that they can apply it too.
Palliative care is still a new branch for many working as part of the medical fraternity in small cities in India. But it is a time of need. People should be aware of it and what positive changes we can bring to patients’ quality of life, providing good symptom control and end-of-life care. What I have learned at this conference will definitely help me in removing barriers to palliative care, as well as empowering both my knowledge and confidence.
I Gained a “New Dimension to My Knowledge’
Wasimul Hoda, MD
Ranchi, India
IAPCON 2022 was a real feast: a virtual academic extravaganza filled with exciting updates in palliative care.
Palliative care is still lacking in most parts of India, so topics such as challenges with early integration of palliative care in India and government policies to support delivery of palliative care here has given me insight to existing challenges and opportunities in Indian palliative care. Delicate topics—such as sensitive conversations with children and families, self-care with compassion and humanity, and good death—have given a new dimension to my knowledge, and this will help enhance my communication skill with patients.
Ways to achieve clinical excellence in palliative care with teamwork and leadership qualities would help each of us in developing and strengthening our palliative care services. For me, an end-of-life care plan for COVID patients and ILD were new things learned. The sessions were evidence-based, and endeavored to fill gaps in the field of Indian palliative care.
To find out more about IAHPC’s Program Support Grants, our Scholarships and Fellowships, please visit our website. Through these programs we support projects and individuals around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
You can contribute to this program and help palliative care workers attend and participate in congresses and courses by donating to the Scholarships Campaign in the Global Giving website.