Unleashing Palliative Care in Portugal: A Gaze into 2025
Portugal provides palliative care surpassing the European Union average standard.
Step into the future with us as we unravel the landscape of palliative care services in Portugal, a country that outstrips the European Union average by leaps and bounds. Portugal currently sports a whopping 1.41 specialist palliative care services per 100,000 inhabitants, trumping the EU average of 0.96![1] This robust ratio positions Portugal ahead of numerous European states, but inevitably, it falls short of leading nations like Austria, which clinches the top spot with a staggering 3.68 services per 100,000 inhabitants![1]
A Persistent Predicament: Lack of Adequate Care Provision
Despite this seemingly commendable position when compared to the EU average, Portugal grapples with significant hurdles in ensuring top-notch palliative care for its population. The Portuguese Association of Palliative Care (APCP) has publicly acknowledged that the scarcity of palliative care teams in this nation persistently looms as a pressing concern, with limited resources often failing to meet the minimum threshold required for optimal care.[1] This resource scarcity can precipitate delays and deficiencies in fulfilling the needs of patients and their families.
A Sobering Reality for Family Caregivers
Beyond this scarcity of specialized teams, family caregivers in Portugal confront challenges reminiscent of those confronted by their counterparts across Europe. Palliative care is widely recognized as a fundamental human right, as ordained in the Basic Law for Palliative Care (Law No. 52/2012), yet the actual delivery of care frequently relies on the noble efforts of family members who may themselves be in need of additional support and resources.[2]
The Broader Picture
The story of palliative care in Portugal intertwines with broader health-related discourses, such as debates on end-of-life care and the intricacies of euthanasia. The nation's Constitutional Court has played a key role in shaping the legal framework for assisted dying, mirroring ongoing exchanges about patient autonomy and dignified transitions.[3]
As we stand on the cusp of this evolving landscape, it's crucial to acknowledge Portugal's progress while recognizing the challenges it still faces: bridging the gap between its current standing and the ideal of universal, high-quality, timely care that every individual deserves.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and medical-conditions, chronic diseases and mental health are among the pressing concerns in Portugal's future, especially in the context of palliative care.
- By the year 2025, Portugal aims to ensure that its palliative care landscape includes more therapies-and-treatments and resources, to provide optimal care for patients suffering from chronic diseases and mental health issues.
- As Portugal transitions towards universal palliative care, it is crucial to prioritize news about advancements in science and technologies that can help address these chronic diseases and mental health conditions.
- To provide the best care for family caregivers who are often affected by the burdens of chronic diseases and mental health issues, Portugal must invest in resources for additional support and wellness programs, aligning with the principles of health-and-wellness and palliative care.
