A significant correction has been issued by the ‘Journal of Pain and Symptom Management’ for one of its important recent publications on the development of palliative care services at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Pakistan. The corrigendum, dated January 11, 2024, concerns the article “Development of Palliative Care Services at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Pakistan: Retrospective Analysis of Existing Palliative Care Program” published in the journal’s August 2022 issue (Volume 64, Issue 2, pages 178-185) that provided an insightful chronicle of palliative care advancement in an emerging healthcare system.
DOI and Reference Information
This correction bears DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.12.011 and was published under reference S0885-3924(23)00834-5, forming part of the comprehensive repository of medical literature that guides practitioners worldwide.
The Need for Palliative Care in Pakistan
Palliative care, which focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness to improve the quality of life for patients and their families, is still in its nascent stages in Pakistan. The study conducted by Dr. Ismat Jabeen and colleagues, including Dr. Asra Qureshi and Muhammad Atif Waqar from Aga Khan University, Karachi, took a retrospective look at the integration of such services within a leading hospital in the nation. This research provides a blueprint for the escalation of palliative care in similar healthcare environments.
Background of the Original Study
Spanning several years, doctors Jabeen, Qureshi, and Waqar collected and analyzed data envisioning a sustainable model for palliative care that aligns with the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Pakistan. Their original article documented successes and challenges, offering a candid view of the state of palliative care, breaking new ground for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and academicians alike.
Details of the Correction
In the issued corrigendum, the research team has not disclosed the precise nature of the correction. Nevertheless, errata in medical literature are not uncommon as the rigorous peer-review process and subsequent data interpretations can be complex. It is essential for maintaining scientific integrity that these corrections are made public and that the record stands accurate.
Impact of the Correction
Such a correction is testament to the dynamic nature of science and research where data and its implications undergo continuous scrutiny. It also underscores the commitment of the authors and the publishing journal toward transparency and the dissemination of reliable information.
Advancements and Challenges in Palliative Care
The original study’s reflections on the challenges of initiating and embedding palliative care in a predominantly curative-focused healthcare system have pioneered the discourse on this subject in the region. Issues such as resource constraints, lack of trained personnel, and the integration of palliative care with the existing medical services were highlighted.
Future of Palliative Care in Pakistan
The contributions of the Aga Khan University and its researchers in advancing palliative care in Pakistan by elucidating these challenges remain substantial, despite the corrigendum. The scholarly work backs Pakistan’s growing recognition of palliative care as a fundamental human right and promises constructive evolution in this domain.
Ongoing Research and Education
To further these efforts, studies and training programs are continuing to develop, focusing on enhancing awareness, developing policies, standardizing care protocols, and training healthcare providers in palliative care competencies. The need for adapting international models to regional realities is a driving force behind these initiatives.
International Collaboration in Palliative Care
Cross-border collaborations also play an influential role, as Pakistani healthcare systems glean insights from global best practices. The active involvement and exchange of knowledge with international palliative care organizations augur well for the sophistication of Pakistan’s approach to end-of-life care.
Conclusion
As the ‘Journal of Pain and Symptom Management’ publishes this corrigendum, it reaffirms the reliability of medical literature and the ongoing enhancement of palliative care services in Pakistan. The original study, with its detailed analysis and retrospection, combined with the self-corrective mechanisms of scholarly research, illuminates the path for a society that upholds compassionate care for all its members.
Keywords
1. Palliative care in Pakistan
2. Tertiary care teaching hospital
3. Palliative care services development
4. Palliative care research studies
5. Palliative care program efficacy
References
1. Jabeen, I., Qureshi, A. A., & Waqar, M. A. (2022). Development of Palliative Care Services at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Pakistan: Retrospective Analysis of Existing Palliative Care Program. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 64(2), 178-185. DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.04.007
2. Correction to: Development of Palliative Care Services at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Pakistan: Retrospective Analysis of Existing Palliative Care Program. (2024). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.12.011
3. Pastrana, T., Vallath, N., Mastrojohn, J., et al. (2018). Disparities in the contribution of low- and middle-income countries to palliative care research. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 55(5), 1324–1330.e6. DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.12.482
4. Clark, D., Baur, N., Clelland, D., et al. (2020). Mapping Levels of Palliative Care Development: A Global View. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 59(6), e21-e26. DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.01.015
5. Khan, F., & Rose, P. (2011). Towards a system-level understanding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and palliative care: A systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 41(2), 493–506. DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.04.019