%0 Journal Article
%T Challenges in Organizing End-of-Life Care for Dementia Patients in Latin America: A Qualitative Study
%A Ahmed Mansour
%A Omar Saeed
%J Journal of Integrative Nursing and Palliative Care
%@ 3006-5550
%D 2024
%V 5
%N 2
%R 10.51847/h69S3fClme
%P 229-240
%X Individuals living with dementia undergo a slow but steady deterioration in both mental and physical abilities. This progressive loss makes it particularly difficult for patients, family caregivers, and health professionals to arrange appropriate end-of-life care in a suitable setting. The present study seeks to explore the difficulties involved in planning and delivering end-of-life care for people with dementia across Latin America. A qualitative research design was adopted for the study. Data were gathered through two focus groups, one individual interview, and one dyadic interview. In total, 15 stakeholders participated, representing 12 Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The collected data were examined using thematic analysis to uncover recurring patterns.

Despite noticeable variations between and within countries, end-of-life care was frequently shaped by prevailing socioeconomic conditions. These conditions created significant obstacles to healthcare access; left the potential of informal caregivers largely untapped; were influenced by deeply rooted societal norms and cultural beliefs about caregiving; were affected by the specific course of dementia itself; and suffered from insufficient policy support, lack of adequately trained personnel, and limited service availability. Across Latin America, providing end-of-life care to people with dementia presents substantial difficulties for the individuals themselves, their caregivers, and the broader healthcare system. Clear pathways for improvement are urgently required so that all people with dementia and their families can experience the end-of-life period with sufficient and fair support.
%U https://journalinpc.com/article/challenges-in-organizing-end-of-life-care-for-dementia-patients-in-latin-america-a-qualitative-stud-5p9phodfcebpm0r