UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: In the Republic of Macedonia, approximately 17.000 people die every year from which 80% die in busy hospitals and institutions for terminal care. 20% of them have been diagnosed in the incurable phases of the illness and have uncontrolled pain and other symptoms. Some small studies have shown that 90% of the patients have a need for an individual plan for care and help in order to guarantee the best possible quality of life in last few months. The objective was to develop policy paper to facilitate opiate drug availability and expand existing care and support services for delivering palliative care wherever needed with access to essential drugs.

Methods: The methodology applied in the research is a combination of quantitative and qualitative research - second data, questionnaires, focus groups discussions, interviews with key informants, in depth interviews and observation.

Results: The methodology applied in the research is a combination of quantitative and qualitative research - second data, questionnaires, focus groups discussions, interviews with key informants, in depth interviews and observation.