title: Family as the primary caregiver: palliative care in the Golan Heights.
abstract: Palliative care is recognised by the WHO as an essential component of care for the seriously ill. Geographically isolated and historically underserved communities, particularly from ethnic minority groups, face obstacles in obtaining adequate palliative care. This case involves the care of a 26-year-old Druze man suffering from a terminal cancer in his Golan Heights village. Local physicians were able to train the patient's father in a palliative care capacity. In the effort of capacity building, the physician and palliative care team also aided the aggrieved family in the process of coping. Robust support networks, both at state and community levels, facilitated the care provided. In showcasing the role of the national and local safety net in activating and building community resources to address a dearth of palliative care services in disadvantaged regions, this case models a potentially effective community-based approach to palliative care for patients from underserved populations.
authors: Medical School for International Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors: Elon
authors: E
authors: Richman
authors: Medical School for International Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors: Amit
authors: A
authors: Ringel
authors: Medical School for International Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors: Jonah Susser
authors: JS
authors: Kreniske
authors: Department of Surgery, Ziv Hospital, Galilee, Israel Golan Polyclinic, Golan Heights, Israel.
authors: Wajdi
authors: W
authors: Safadi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D005195:Family Relations / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011788:Quality of Life; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology