Comprehensive Ayurvedic palliative care programme- implemented by Indian Systems of Medicine department.
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of sufferings by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.
The present scenario of Kerala is confined to the nuclear family system, which eventually lead to negligence in proper care of bedridden patients by the family. Govt. of Kerala is focusing their utmost attention on this social problem and taking necessary steps to give proper care to palliative group patients. This project is designed and managed by the direction of Niyamasabha Subject committee 12 (H&FWD) dated 24-04-2013.

Aims

• Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms

• Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process

• Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care

• Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death

• Offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient illness and in their bereavement

• Uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling, if needed

Implementation

ISM department is implementing this project in selected districts this project. Implementation committee includes Director ISM, State Mission Director (NAM), Joint Director (ISM), DPM, DMO, representatives of Local Self Govt. department (LSGI) and Medical Team.

Methodology

• Constitution of Medical team (Medical Officer – ISM, NHM and NAM, skilled person, Nurse (GNM + Palliative care/ Ayurveda Nurse trained in Palliative care), Therapist cum Attender, ASHA worker, Palliative care volunteer, ward member

• Survey and selection of beneficiaries registered in the palliative care unit of concerned grama panchayath for Ayurvedic Palliative Care

• Measures for IP cases (cases requiring hospitalization will be referred to the nearest Ayurveda hospitals)

• Home care activities, medicine distribution, counselling weekly twice or thrice

• Selection of nodal centres by concerned DMO

• Consent from the beneficiary or family member

• Selection of drugs and purchase

• Purchase of medical equipment and accessories

• Preparation of case sheet and assessment charts

• Awareness programme for health activities

• Care for caregivers - periodical awareness

• Periodical evaluation - monthly review by DMO

• BCC/IEC materials

• Assessment and documentation

• Feedback

• Monitoring