Emerging Trends and Best Practices in Hospice and Palliative Care

Africa faces a tremendous disease burden that will likely increase in the coming years. Accordingly, healthcare professionals in the region need training on delivering high-quality, culturally competent hospice and palliative care. Unfortunately, educational opportunities on this topic in developing countries, particularly in Africa, are limited. This chapter seeks to fill this void by discussing the differences between euthanasia, hospice, and palliative care. It also explores the differences between the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary healthcare team and their roles in hospice and palliative care. The chapter traces the origin and evolution of hospice and palliative care as a medical speciality, global demand, service utilisation, best practices, and global epidemiology of opioid-related deaths. And it also examines the relevance of complementary and alternative medicine and clinical guidelines for fostering high-quality palliative care. Finally, the chapter cites over 100 references that an inquisitive learner seeking to go beyond the presentation here can consult for more in-depth information on any of the various topics covered.