From the Research
Palliative care in Malaysia is still in the early stages of development, with significant challenges persisting, including limited resources and inadequate training for healthcare professionals, as evident from the most recent study in 2023 1. The current context of palliative care in Malaysia is characterized by a mix of hospital-based services, community-based programs, and hospice care, with both public and private sector involvement.
- Key challenges include:
- Limited resources and inadequate training for healthcare professionals
- Geographical disparities in access to care, particularly in rural areas
- Cultural and religious factors influencing palliative care delivery
- The Malaysian government has made efforts to improve palliative care through the National Palliative Care Policy and Strategic Plan, which aims to integrate palliative care into the healthcare system, as highlighted in a study from 2019 2.
- A recent study in 2023 1 found that palliative care service development in Malaysian public hospitals is still limited, but the majority of hospitals have essential medications and oral morphine available.
- To improve palliative care practice in Malaysia, healthcare providers should prioritize developing cultural competence, involving family members in care planning, and understanding the religious and cultural nuances that affect end-of-life decisions, as emphasized in a study from 2014 3.
- The use of key medications such as morphine, fentanyl patches, methadone, and adjuvants like gabapentin for pain management, along with medications for symptom control, is crucial in palliative care, but the availability and accessibility of these medications may vary across different regions in Malaysia.
- Overall, the development of palliative care in Malaysia requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique challenges and needs of the country's diverse population, as highlighted in a study from 2015 4.