Palliative care is an approach that aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. It requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers the sociocultural context of the patient. Online training initiatives have been developed to improve the skills of healthcare professionals in providing palliative care.

The African Center for Research on End-of-Life Care (ACREOL) will offer a training curriculum with unlimited course access. The curriculum covers communication skills, pain and symptom management, ethical issues, and psychosocial support. The courses are designed for physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals involved in palliative care.
In addition to these courses, online training initiatives that consider the sociocultural context of the patient are also available. These initiatives aim to improve the cultural competence of healthcare professionals in providing palliative care. The Hospice Foundation of America’s online training program on cultural competence in palliative care is one such initiative. The course covers cultural values and beliefs, communication skills, and end-of-life care. The course is designed for healthcare professionals who care for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The online training initiatives have been developed to improve the skills of healthcare professionals in providing palliative care in Rwanda and Africa. These initiatives consider the sociocultural context of the patient and aim to improve the cultural competence of healthcare professionals in providing care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to use these online training initiatives to improve their skills and provide quality palliative care to patients and their families.

1. Palliative care training in Kicukiro District: Rwanda Military Hospital, Masaka Hospital, Health Centers, and Community Health Workers.

The Rwanda Military Hospital is a vital healthcare institution in Rwanda, serving a significant population of cancer patients. Recognizing the need for high-quality palliative care services in Rwanda, the African Center for Research on End-of-Life Care (ACREOL) conducted a series of training programs to create model palliative care teams integrated into the government healthcare system that is affordable, sustainable, and scalable. The training programs were designed to improve cancer patients’ and their family caregivers’ quality of life by equipping healthcare personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive palliative care services.

Masaka Hospital is a government-funded hospital that provides a wide range of healthcare services to the community. It covers 10 health centers in its catchment area, i.e Kicukiro district. Recognizing the need for high-quality palliative care services in Rwanda, the African Center for Research on End-Of-Life Care (ACREOL) conducted a series of training programs to create model palliative care teams integrated into the government healthcare system that is affordable, sustainable, and scalable. The training programs were designed to improve cancer patients and their family caregiver’s quality of life by equipping healthcare personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive palliative care services.

ACREOL acknowledges and appreciates the Rwanda Military Hospital, Masaka Hospital, and Health Center authorities for allowing us to conduct these training programs. The health facility’s commitment to improving the quality of care for cancer patients is evident in its decision to participate in these trainings. The collaboration between ACREOL and the Kicukiro district represents a critical step towards providing accessible, high-quality palliative care services in Rwanda.

This report outlines the training programs conducted by ACREOL at the facilities and provides an overview of the outcomes achieved. The report describes the structure of the training programs, the methods used, the feedback received from the participants, and the impact of the training on providing palliative care services at the hospitals. The report also discusses the challenges encountered during the training programs and provides recommendations for future efforts to improve palliative care services in Rwanda.

2. “Voice of the voiceless” in palliative care: Healthcare professionals from Kicukiro District

The concept of “Voice of the Voiceless” in palliative care, particularly in the context of healthcare professionals from Kicukiro District, is profoundly significant. It embodies healthcare providers’ compassionate and crucial role in advocating for and addressing the needs of those facing life-limiting illnesses. In palliative care, patients often confront not just physical pain but also emotional, social, and spiritual distress. The vulnerabilities associated with severe illnesses can leave many feeling isolated and unheard. Here, healthcare professionals in Kicukiro District step in as the ‘Voice of the Voiceless,’ ensuring that these patients’ concerns, fears, and needs are heard, understood, and addressed. This approach is not just about medical treatment; it’s about providing holistic care that respects the dignity and wishes of each patient. By giving a voice to those who may struggle to express themselves, healthcare workers in Kicukiro District embody empathy and advocate for comprehensive care that encompasses the full spectrum of human needs and experiences at the end of life.

3. Implementation of Model Palliative Care Services in Rwanda public health system to Improve the Quality of Life of cancer patients with advanced stages and their Families in Gicumbi District.

“Byumba District Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals. It was built in 1947 during the colonial period by Belgians, and nowadays, it has the assistance of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with their partners and the Government of RWANDA. It is the hospital of Gicumbi District, located in the northern province, with a capacity of 252 beds. It had 208 clinical and non-clinical staff by the end of December 2020; Byumba Hospital received 29 383 outpatients, and admissions were 10 732 by the end of December 2020.

This report outlines the training programs conducted by ACREOL Global for healthcare professionals, volunteers, caregivers, and other stakeholders, with a particular focus on Byumba District Hospital and Health Centers in Gicumbi. The report also assesses training outcomes. It covers the program’s structure, methods used, participants’ feedback, and the impact of the training held. The report also discusses challenges encountered and offers recommendations for improving palliative care within the hospital. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between ACREOL Global and healthcare facilities in delivering high-quality palliative care. It stresses the need for sustained efforts to overcome challenges in this area.