This is a new proposed extension to the Quality of Care programme at HEAL Africa's hospital in Goma.
The problem to be addressed is that of patients in chronic pain, who may be suffering a terminal illness, and are not receiving appropriate or adequate care. These issues have serious impacts on the patients themselves, as well as their families, hospital staff and home visitors.
This problem causes unnecessary suffering and anxiety for patients, and wastes the limited resources of the families and of the hospital. The causes of this problem are manifold, including:
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family expectations
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cultural barriers to facing the reality of possible or imminent death
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lack of awareness of patients’ needs on part of hospital staff
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lack of training of hospital staff
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lack of resources
The objectives of the programme will be to ensure that patients receive appropriate and adequate and effective care, and have better quality of life; that family and hospital resources are used to best effect.
In order to achieve this, better understanding and communication must be developed; medical staff must be taught to audit patients’ and families’ needs; and to respond effectively and compassionately. Finally, effective additional equipment must be obtained.
Costs for this project will consist of:_
(i) 15 days training for 30 staff and a further 4 two-day sessions for 18 key staff members.
(ii) Costs for printed books and notes
(iii) Costs of additional treatments for 2700 patient/days
In all £22,300 will be needed.
This project has the potential to bring help to thousands of people. We believe that this will be an outstanding course, and unique in the vast region, which will touch some of the most vulnerable people.
