Training Initiative to Improve Palliative Care Accessibility in Western Kenya
Indiana University School of Medicine (AMPATH)
Summary
The vast majority of Kenyans lack access to hospice and palliative care services, and the need is predicted to grow significantly in the next decade. To address this important population health challenge, the AMPATH consortium, led by Indiana University School of Medicine, has identified the limited number of palliative care specialists as a major impediment to providing quality symptom management and end of life care. AMPATH seeks to increase access to palliative care in Western Kenya by developing palliative care training programs for health care professionals and Community Health Volunteers.
To meet this need, the consortium has been developing training programs for nurses, clinical officers, and physicians. They have also been developing an innovative training program for Community Health Volunteers (CHV) to identify, provide care, and refer patients to palliative care providers. This program will embed specialists throughout the health care system, thus providing care to those with little to no access. Training will include management, advocacy, and research skills to prepare graduates for roles in administration, government, or academia. Our estimated budget for the program is $300,000.
Project Team
Kenneth Cornetta, MD
Professor of Clinical Medical & Molecular Genetics
Indiana University School of Medicine
[email protected]
James Akiruga, MD
Family Physician and Lecturer, Department of Family Medicine
Moi University School of Medicine
Juli McGowan Boit, MSN, FNP
International Director
Living Room International
Colleen Brown, MD
Director, Adult & Pediatric Supportive Care
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital
Lindsay Dow, MD, MS
Assistant Professor
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Hussein Elias, MD
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Family Medicine
Moi University College of Health Sciences
Clarissa Johnston, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
Peter Kussin, MD
Professor of Medicine, Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute
Duke University School of Medicine
Jeremiah Laktabai, MD
Head of Family Medicine Department
Moi University College of Health Sciences
Allison Tarus, MPH
Program Development Liason
Living Room International
Award
Gold Winner
