Access to palliative care continues to be a significant concern worldwide, especially in low-resource settings. One newly published study provides valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators experienced by both patients and healthcare providers in Bathinda, a district in Punjab, India. This qualitative study, led by Gupta, Kankaria, and Garg, delves into the complexities of accessing and delivering palliative care services to individuals battling cancer.
The need for improved palliative care in regions like Bathinda cannot be overstated. A staggering increase in cancer cases, alongside inadequate healthcare infrastructure, results in many patients facing dire circumstances. This study identifies specific barriers that hinder the timely provision of palliative care. Among these barriers, socio-economic factors, limited awareness about palliative care, and cultural perceptions about cancer play a critical role. The researchers meticulously analyzed the perspectives of both healthcare practitioners and patients, thereby offering a comprehensive view of the current landscape.
Participants expressed a profound lack of knowledge regarding palliative care, often mistaking it for end-of-life care only. This misconception poses a significant barrier to seeking necessary support sooner. Healthcare professionals reiterated the necessity for thorough education about palliative care, emphasizing its role in enhancing the quality of life for patients throughout their cancer journey. Effective awareness campaigns and training programs could address this gap, assisting patients and families to understand that palliative care is about improving comfort, not solely about dying.
Financial constraints also emerged as a prominent theme within the qualitative research. Many patients reported that the costs associated with cancer treatment and allied palliative services are prohibitively expensive. Health care providers noted that limited funding for palliative care programs often results in the prioritization of curative over palliative treatments. The imbalance in funding highlights an urgent need for policy changes that would ensure equitable access to palliative care resources, making it a viable option for all patients.
Moreover, cultural beliefs significantly influence how palliative care is perceived and utilized in the Bathinda district. Patients and their families may associate cancer with stigma, leading them to avoid seeking out palliative services due to fear of societal judgment. The study illuminates the urgent need for community engagement initiatives aimed at debunking myths surrounding cancer and palliative care. Such initiatives will not only foster understanding but also promote a more supportive environment for patients and families facing cancer diagnoses.
The qualitative study also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers. Many participants expressed the need for better communication and coordination between oncologists, palliative care specialists, and primary care providers. This collaboration can enhance the continuity of care and ensure that patients receive comprehensive support throughout their treatment. By fostering a team-based approach, healthcare systems can mitigate the fragmentation of care and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the availability of trained palliative care professionals remains a significant obstacle. The study reveals a shortage of healthcare workers specialized in palliative care within the Bathinda district. This shortage limits the ability of healthcare systems to provide timely and effective palliative interventions. Addressing this gap necessitates investments in education and training, encouraging medical professionals to pursue careers in palliative care. Such efforts are vital for developing a workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for these essential services.
Despite these barriers, the study also identifies facilitators that could enhance access to palliative care in Bathinda. Strong community support systems play a crucial role in encouraging patients to seek help. Local organizations and support groups can provide education and resources, easing the transition into palliative care. Building these networks fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, counteracting the stigma often associated with cancer diagnoses.
In addition to community support, the researchers noted the potential benefits of policy reforms aimed at integrating palliative care into the broader healthcare framework. The government’s involvement is crucial in creating policies that recognize the importance of palliative services. Ensuring that these services are included in national health programs can aid in standardizing care across the region, leading to broader access for patients who need it most.
In conclusion, the qualitative study conducted in Bathinda showcases the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and providers in accessing palliative care. By shedding light on these barriers while simultaneously highlighting existing facilitators, Gupta, Kankaria, and Garg contribute vital knowledge to the field of palliative care research. Implementing their recommendations could significantly improve the lives of cancer patients and their families in Punjab. The journey does not end here; rather, it presents an opportunity for healthcare systems to evolve, ensuring that palliative care is recognized as an indispensable part of comprehensive cancer treatment.
The significance of this study reaches far beyond the boundaries of Bathinda, offering valuable insights applicable to many communities facing similar challenges. As the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, prioritizing palliative care can lead to improved patient experiences and outcomes, ultimately fostering a more compassionate approach to cancer treatment worldwide.
Subject of Research: Barriers and facilitators to accessing and providing palliative care in Bathinda, Punjab.
Article Title: Barriers and facilitators to accessing and providing palliative care to people with cancer in the Bathinda district in Punjab: a qualitative study.
Article References: Gupta, M., Kankaria, A., Garg, L. et al. Barriers and facilitators to accessing and providing palliative care to people with cancer in the Bathinda district in Punjab: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 25, 1565 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13751-0
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13751-0
Keywords: Palliative care, Cancer, Barriers, Facilitators, Bathinda, Punjab, Healthcare access, Qualitative study, Awareness, Community support, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Policy reform.
Tags: barriers to cancer palliative careBathinda cancer care studycancer care in low-resource settingscultural perceptions of cancer treatmenteducation on palliative care importanceenhancing quality of life for cancer patientshealthcare provider perspectives on palliative careimproving palliative care servicespalliative care access challengespatient awareness of palliative carequalitative research in healthcaresocio-economic factors in healthcare
