Landscape of Palliative and End-of-Life Care in West Africa: Scoping Review of Barriers to the Offer and Demand for these Care and Health Services

K. Mena Agbodjavou, M. Wilisse Gandaho, C. Pierre Meliho, Adolphe C. Kpatchavi

Abstract: Objective: In West African countries, palliative care (PC) and end-of-life care (EoL) are poorly integrated into national healthcare systems and are underused. This scoping review aims to map the landscape of PC and EoL in West Africa by identifying barriers to supply and demand for PC and EoL health services. Methods: Five electronic databases (Medline, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane and PyschInfo) were searched to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2022. The sources identified included original articles published from research carried out in West African countries. Results: 58 publications were considered relevant. 139 barriers were mapped and grouped under five themes: (i) political governance of the healthcare sector; (ii) healthcare systems and facilities; (iii) attitudes, practices, and knowledge of healthcare providers; (iv) relationship to care and care pathways; and (v) finance and economics. 81% of the publications reviewed used a qualitative approach. Conclusion: As well as providing education on SP and EoL and increasing funding and subsidies for SP and EoL care, West African countries should consider integrating SP into primary healthcare. Future work could focus on the additional efforts needed to improve universal healthcare coverage and the quality of palliative and end-of-life care services, particularly in the French-speaking countries of West Africa.

Keywords: palliative care, end-of-life care, barriers, West Africa

How to Cite?: K. Mena Agbodjavou, M. Wilisse Gandaho, C. Pierre Meliho, Adolphe C. Kpatchavi, "Landscape of Palliative and End-of-Life Care in West Africa: Scoping Review of Barriers to the Offer and Demand for these Care and Health Services", Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 912-924, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR231206183534, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR231206183534