SVSC-08 DYING WITH DIGNITY: EXPANDING PALLIATIVE CARE ACCESS FOR NEURO-ONCOLOGY PATIENTS IN AFRICA

Abstract

Abstract Background/Significance Neuro-oncology patients in Africa face significant barriers in accessing palliative care, leading to poor quality of life, unmanaged pain, and increased caregiver burden. Despite the rising incidence of neuro-oncological diseases, palliative care services remain underdeveloped due to inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and limited awareness among healthcare providers. This study explores the challenges associated with palliative care access for neuro-oncology patients and proposes strategic interventions to enhance service delivery. The findings aim to inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers on practical steps to bridge the care gap. Method This study employed a narrative review approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using strategic keywords, Boolean operations, and search filters to refine results. The inclusion criteria focused on studies related to palliative care accessibility, neuro-oncology management, and healthcare policies in Africa. Articles published in English between 2007 and 2025 were included. After screening for relevance and removing duplicates, 64 articles were selected for review. The analysis synthesized key themes related to barriers, policy gaps, and potential interventions for improving palliative care services. Results Findings indicate that less than 30% of neuro-oncology patients in surveyed institutions had access to specialized palliative care. Key barriers included inadequate training among healthcare providers, limited funding, and cultural stigmas surrounding end-of-life care. Additionally, 75% of caregivers reported emotional and financial distress due to the lack of structured support. Many patients endured severe pain due to the unavailability of opioid analgesics, highlighting regulatory constraints. Institutions with community-based palliative care programs and telemedicine consultations reported improved patient outcomes and reduced caregiver burden. Conclusions and Recommendations Addressing the palliative care gap requires integrating palliative care into oncology treatment, expanding training programs, increasing funding, and leveraging community-driven initiatives and telemedicine for enhanced accessibility and patient-centered care.