Authors:Eleanor Foster Abstract: A general descrition of the initiation of a palliative care program in Kenya using a transformational development, participatory and empowering approach, with lessons learned and description of subsequent impact. PubDate: 2017-11-05 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Daniel W O'Neill Abstract: Book review of Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia by John Dunlop, a pastoral, clinical and practical guide to those caring for those suffering with dementia. PubDate: 2017-11-02 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Daniel Munday, Ruth Powys Abstract: Palliative care in Nepal has been developing over the last 20 years, led by pioneering doctors and nurses who have gained experience in the specialty often whilst working overseas or who have had the opportunity to do clinical attachments abroad. Recently, in collaboration with international palliative care specialists, a national strategy has been developed and adopted to guide future development so that palliative care for all who need it can be provided. This article explores the faith- based context for palliative care and describes the particular issues Nepal faces and the work of Christian mission organisations in supporting palliative care development. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:M. C. Wubbenhorst, Jeffrey K Wubbenhorst; D.Min. Abstract: The evangelical Christian church and Christian international organizations today face considerable pressure to promote family planning in the course of their activities overseas. This pressure can be subtle, or overt; the need to provide family planning is often couched in terms of biblical compassion, justice, improvement in women’s health, poverty alleviation, or development. It is evident from even a superficial glance at the Internet that the concept of “family planning” is heavily laden with negative associations due to the bitter legacy of eugenics and population control. Does family planning include just contraception' Or is there a mentality or implicit agenda behind the use of contraceptive technology' What are the possible results of promoting family planning as part of the Church’s international activities' Is there a mandate, Scriptural or otherwise, for Christians and international Christian organizations, to promote pregnancy prevention' More important to the practicing Christian, what are the assumptions behind the “need” for family planning in the context of Christian global health' We discuss ethical and theological frameworks as well as scientific and epidemiologic data from an Evangelical Christian perspective that might help inform discourse and decision-making on this controversial subject . PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Eileen R. O'Shea, Robin Bennett Kanarek, Meredith Wallace Kazer, Patrick W. Kelley, Tomi Thomas Abstract: The average life span is increasing, due to vast advancements in social conditions, public health, and medical care. Globally, those living with chronic and serious medical conditions can benefit from palliative care services. Yet, the workforce is insufficient to support the demand. This case study describes efforts made by one Jesuit Catholic University to build nursing capacity and to promote access to high quality, compassionate palliative healthcare. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:James V Ritchie Abstract: Medical missionaries may struggle with the proper understanding of their roles in the death of their patients. To better grasp a biblical concept of death, medical missionaries should understand God’s plan for death, and also understand both God’s sovereignty and their own free will. Missionaries should prepare patients and their families for impending death. Cultural objections to discussing impending death may be addressed by emphasizing the Christian understanding of earthly death and eternal life, and by honoring the passing of the believing patient. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Alfredo Fort Abstract: Though difficult to ascertain because faith based organizations (FBOs) might keep a low profile, be confused with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or survey respondents may not know the nature of facilities attended to, these organizations have a long presence in teaching health personnel and delivering health services in many rural and remote populations in the developing world. It is argued that their large networks, logistics agreements with governments, and mission-driven stance brings them closer to the communities they serve, and their services believed of higher quality than average. Kenya has a long history of established FBOs substantial recent health investment by the government. We aimed to find the quantitative and qualitative contributions of FBOs by analyzing two recent data sources: the live web-based nationwide Master Health Facility List, and the 2010 nationwide Service Provision Assessment (SPA) survey. Using this information, we found that FBOs contribute to 11% of all health facilities’ presence in the country, doubling to 23% of all available beds, indicating their relative strength in owning mid-level hospitals around the country. We also constructed an index of readiness as a weighted average from services offered, good management practices and availability of medicines and commodities for 17 items assessed during the SPA survey. We found that FBOs topped the list of managing authorities, with 70 percent of health facility readiness, followed closely by the government at 69 percent, NGOs at 61 percent and lastly a distant private for profit sector at 50 percent. These results seem to indicate that FBOs continue to contribute to an important proportion of health care coverage in Kenya, and that they do so with a relatively high quality of care among all actors. It would be of interest to replicate the analysis with similar databases for other countries in the developing world. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Helen Lea Fernandes; BOT, MPH, Stephanie Cantrill, BOT, MPH, Raj Kamal, MSW, Ram Lal Shrestha, MBA, Ma(Soc) Abstract: Much of the literature about mental illness in low and middle income countries (LMICs) focuses on prevalence rates, the treatment gap, and scaling up access to medical expertise and treatment. As a cause and consequence of this, global mental health programs have focused heavily on service delivery without due exploration of how programs fit into a broader picture of culture and community. There is a need for research which highlights approaches to broader inclusion, considering historical, cultural, social, and economic life contexts and recognises the community as a determinant of mental health — in prevention, recovery, resilience, and support of holistic wellness. The purpose of this practice review is to explore the experiences of three local organisations working with people with psychosocial disability living in LMICs: Afghanistan, India, and Nepal. All three organisations have a wealth of experience in implementing mental health programs, and the review brings together evidence of this experience from interviews, reports, and evaluations. Learnings from these organisations highlight both successful approaches to strengthening inclusion and the challenges faced by people with psychosocial disability, their families, and communities. The findings can largely be summarised in two categories, although both are very much intertwined: first, a broad advocacy, public health, and policy approach to inclusion; and second, more local, community-based initiatives. The evidence draws attention to the need to acknowledge the complexities surrounding mental health and inclusion, such as additional stigmatisation due to multidimensional poverty, gender inequality, security issues, natural disasters, and additional stressors associated with access. Organisational experiences also highlight the need to work with communities’ strengths to increase capacity around inclusion and to apply community development approaches where space is created for communities to generate holistic solutions. Most significantly, approaches at all levels require efforts to ensure that people with psychosocial disability are given a voice and are included in shaping programs, policies, and appropriate responses. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:John McVay, Christopher L. Place, David L. Stevens Abstract: Background: The CMDA/MedSend Healthcare Missions Leadership Summit is an annual gathering of 75 mission sending agencies who share Christ through healthcare missions. The summit is jointly sponsored by MedSend and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA). The purpose of the meeting is to network, examine relevant research issues (such as recruiting), etc. Objective: The purpose of the 2015 Launch survey was to learn from medical missionaries how to more effectively recruit and launch new healthcare professionals and their families into long-term missions. The objective of the 2016 Relocating for the Gospel survey was to learn from students and other aspiring healthcare missionaries the obstacles they perceive in their journey into long-term missions. Results were presented at the 2015 and 2016 Healthcare Missions Leadership Summits. Methods: Two multiple-choice surveys were developed to ascertain the positive and negative factors involved in the decision making process to launch into the healthcare mission field. Participants were invited to participate in the surveys via email. Results: The 2015 Launch survey analyzed 177 responses from healthcare missionaries with 63% of respondents still currently serving as long-term missionaries. 37% of the respondents are former missionaries. Participants included millennials (39), Gen Xers (54), and baby boomers (84). Responses indicated that key positive factors include personal interaction with a long-term worker as well as a supportive agency, leader, or team to join. The 2016 Relocating for the Gospel survey analyzed responses from students and other aspiring missionaries who are millennials (79). The strongest overall factor that discouraged missions involvement was student loan debt. Other key obstacles include concerns over being lonely or isolated overseas, as well as difficulty in finding a good fit with a team or organization. Conclusion: The overall findings from the two surveys include four main points. First, effective launch into missions service is more relationally dependent than informationally dependent. Second, launching into missions service is more like a marathon than a sprint. Third, those who are exploring missions want to join a team so they will not feel lonely or isolated. Finally, aspiring missionaries want a placement that fits them well even if that does not match the top priorities of the agency. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Reena George, Shefali Mathew Abstract: The microcosm of the human body, like the great rhythm of the universe, is silent, intricate, delicately balanced. Anatomy supports Physiology as organs and tissues connect, communicate and nourish life. In illness, they speak through the patient's history. Even in this era of cutting-edge technology, the clinical history remains the foundation of palliative and patient centred care. In listening to Anatomy speak, we understand how and where the body hurts. In health and infirmity, may we also marvel at the human form we touch and inhabit - so carefully, fearfully and wonderfully made. PubDate: 2017-10-23 Issue No:Vol. 4, No. 3 (2017)
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