Running Palliative Care Services at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode, Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown has affected the health system. Many health-care facilities are prioritizing their services, and hence, those suffering from life-limiting conditions will have difficulty in accessing health services. AIMS: The aim of the study was to perform a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the palliative care (PC) services provided by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode, amid COVID-19 pandemic. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A SWOT analysis of PC services provided by IPM. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data for SWOT analysis was collected by brainstorming and review of records and registers. RESULTS: Good prioritization and documentation system and routinely adhering to infection control practices are notable strengths. Lack of funding and interrupted supply of personal protective equipment are notable weaknesses. Availability of established communication channels with active community participation are a few opportunities available to improve the services. Working with high-risk groups, return of Non-residential Indians (NRI), lack of transparency and stigma among the general public are the threats that can affect the service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Having good prioritization and documentation system, reinforcing infection control practices, already established emergency homecare system, presence of a well-developed network of community-based PC services, and a vast network of community volunteers and awareness and cooperation of families had helped IPM to quickly reorganize its services and transition smoothly to continue to provide PC for those suffering from life-limiting illnesses in this pandemic situation.