In total, 43% of adults in the Republic of Ireland agree that if they needed to receive palliative care, they would not have enough information to enable them to have conversations or make decisions about their care.
The finding is from a new survey of the public’s perceptions of palliative care commissioned by All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC ) to highlight Palliative Care Week which concludes on Saturday, September 17.
The theme for the ninth annual Palliative Care Week is, ‘Palliative Care: Living as Well as Possible’ which was chosen following collaboration with AIIHPC’s members and the wider palliative care sector. It reflects what palliative care is and the positive impact that palliative care has on the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families; allowing them to live their lives as fully as they can.
The survey of 1,000 people in the Republic of Ireland carried out in July 2022, also highlighted some of the perceptions that exist about palliative care:
43% agree that if they had to have palliative care, they do not feel ready to have those conversations or make those decisions
44% of people think of cancer when they hear the term palliative care
75% of adults agree that when they hear the term palliative care, they think that it is about supporting the quality of life for those with life limiting conditions.
29% of adults would be too scared to make decisions or have these conversations if they needed to receive palliative care.
Speaking at the start of Palliative Care Week 2021, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said that he was delighted to support this particular campaign.
“I am delighted to support the Palliative Care Week campaign. Palliative care greatly improves the experiences of those who are living with progressive or life-limiting illness, and as this year’s theme says, can help them to live as well as possible.
“It is important to emphasise that palliative care not only supports the person who is ill but it also supports family members, carers and those close to the person. This support is vital for the wellbeing of families during those challenging times. This Palliative Care Week, I want to acknowledge the work of all those who work in the palliative care sector, across the island of Ireland, in so many different roles, who constantly work to make better the lives of those in their care,” An Taoiseach stated.
Visit?thepalliativehub.com to find out more. #pallcareweek.
