The global demand for palliative care (PC) has seen a significant increase of 74% over the past three decades, reaching 73.5 million individuals in 2021, as reported in a study published in The Lancet Global Health. This rise in demand is particularly pronounced in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of individuals requiring PC reside. In comparison, high-income countries (HICs) have experienced a 46% increase in demand for PC during the same period.
The study indicates that population growth only accounts for half of the increased need for PC, with the remaining portion attributed to a rise in diseases and conditions necessitating palliative care. Despite the growing demand, access to PC remains inadequate on a global scale, making it one of the most overlooked areas of healthcare. Serious health-related suffering (SHS), characterized by health-related pain and a significant impact on quality of life that requires professional intervention, is prevalent among tens of millions of individuals annually.
Expanding on the previous findings of The Lancet Commission on Global Access to Palliative Care and Pain Relief (LCPCPR), the current study uses updated methods and data spanning from 1990 to 2021 to provide a more precise assessment of the global need for PC due to SHS. While the need for PC related to infectious diseases has decreased in LMICs, the overall global numbers have remained stable and even increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the demand for PC due to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia has surged, particularly in HICs.
The authors of the study emphasize the urgency of alleviating the burden on individuals requiring PC through enhanced prevention and treatment strategies. They stress the importance of ensuring comprehensive and universal access to palliative care, especially in LMICs where the need is most pressing. By addressing these challenges, the healthcare system can better support individuals experiencing serious health-related suffering and improve their quality of life.
For more information, the study titled “The evolution of serious health-related suffering from 1990 to 2021: an update to The Lancet Commission on global access to palliative care and pain relief” can be accessed in The Lancet Global Health. (DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00476-5).
