Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Pediatric Palliative Care in the Middle East

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Pediatric Palliative Care: Global Perspectives

Abstract

In most Middle Eastern countries pediatric palliative care as a special medical discipline is not as yet in existence. In some countries this specialty is in its infancy, and only in a few countries has it become a recognized specialty and is practiced in the major medical centers. The Middle East, as a region, is seeking support to promote professionals: physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, spiritual counselors and art therapists to be well trained and educated in order to initiate such services in pediatric oncology departments in hospitals as well as in the community. It is only recently that Ministries of Health, directors of hospitals and cancer centers, have adopted palliative care, in general, and pediatric palliative care, in particular, as an essential service that deserves the financial and moral support of health providers at all administrative levels. The Middle East Cancer Consortium organizes every year training courses at basic and advanced levels for oncologists (medical, surgical and radiotherapists) pediatric oncologists, anesthesiologists, oncology nurses, pediatric psychologists and social workers, with the goal of enhancing the development of palliative care services in primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Rajagopal MR (2010) Integrative oncology-India perspective. In: MECC workshop on integrative oncology in the Middle East. J Palliat Med13:928

    Google Scholar 

  2. Callister, LC (2007) Global pediatric palliative care. Global Health and Nursing, MCN 323

    Google Scholar 

  3. Abdul Rahman H (2010) Challenges and obstacles facing the oncologist during pain management. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:423

    Google Scholar 

  4. Arnaout M (2010) Challenges and obstacles facing the oncologist in pain management. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:424

    Google Scholar 

  5. Mutafoglu K (2010) Challenges and obstacles facing the oncologist in pain management. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:424–425

    Google Scholar 

  6. Silbermann M, Kutluk. T, Tuncer M (2007) Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) International pediatric oncology meeting abstracts. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 29:S1–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Abstract collection (2008) Workshop on the stresses and burnout of working with cancer patients, Larnaca, Cyprys. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 30:98–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. MECC (2008) MECC workshop on psycho-oncology: the role and involvement of the patient’s family. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 30:S 1–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Abstract collection (2009) Leading the way in pain control: a MECC-ONS course for oncology nurses. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 31:605–618

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Abstract collection (2010) Workshop on psycho-oncology: alleviation of fear, frustration and sense of loss through non pharmacological treatment modalities. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:22–82

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. MECC (2010) The Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) workshop on cancer pain, suffering and spirituality. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 11:1–123

    Google Scholar 

  12. MECC (2011) MECC workshop on palliative care services in the Middle East. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S1–S80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Freedman LS, Edwards BK, Ries LA, Young JL (2006) Cancer incidence in four member countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel and Jordan) of the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) compared with US SEER. NIH publication No. 06-5873

    Google Scholar 

  14. Amanda B, Clark D (2008) Palliative care in the region represented by the Middle East Cancer Consortium. NIH Publication No. 07-6230

    Google Scholar 

  15. Moore SY, Pirrello RD, Christianson SK, Ferris FD (2011) Strategic planning by the palliative care steering committee of the Middle East Cancer Consortium. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S39–S46

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Cavdar AO, Kutlik T (2006) Childhood cancer in cancer incidence in four member countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel and Jordan) of the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) compared with US SEER. NIH publication No. 06-5873:141–150

    Google Scholar 

  17. Tarawneh M, Nimri O (2008) Cancer incidence in Jordan 2007–2008. Ministry of Health: Jordan Cancer Registry. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

    Google Scholar 

  18. Kutluk T, Yesilipek A (2009) Turkish National Pediatric Cancer Registry 2002–2008 (Turkish pediatric oncology group and Turkish pediatric hematology society). 41st congress SIOP, San Paulo, Brazil. Pediatr Blood Cancer PPO25:851

    Google Scholar 

  19. Ibrahim AS (2010). Aswan Profile-2008. Ministry of Communications and Information Technology: Egypt National Cancer Registry. Publication No. RRI

    Google Scholar 

  20. Daher M (2011) Personal communication. WHO office. Gaza, Gaza Strip. February 2011

    Google Scholar 

  21. Al-Hadad S (2011) Personal communication. Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  22. Ashraf SM (2011) Personal communication. Children cancer hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  23. Pavlou P, Demetriou A, Soteriou C (2010) Progress report 2008–2009. Ministry of Health: Cyprus Cancer Registry

    Google Scholar 

  24. Kutluk T, Sahiner UM, Akyuz C, Yalcin B, Demir HA, Varan A, Buyukpamukcu M (2009) A hospital based pediatric cancer registry, Hacettepe experience 1971–2004. Pediatr Blood Cancer PPo24:851

    Google Scholar 

  25. Ramadan M (2011) Personal communication: Gharbiah Population-Based Cancer Registry. Ministry of Health and Population. Tanta, Egypt. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  26. Marshall S, Anton-Culver H (2011) Personal communication. Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  27. Eser SY, Yakut C, Ozdumir R (2010) Izmir cancer registry report. Ministry of Health: Ankara, Turkey

    Google Scholar 

  28. Bar Chana M, Alon R, Lifshitz I (2010) Epidemiological aspects of childhood tumors in Israel. Ministry of Health: Israel Center for Disease Control

    Google Scholar 

  29. Pritchard-Jones K, Kaatsch P, Steliarova-Foucher E, Stiller CA, Coebergh JW (2006) Cancer in children and adolescents in Europe: developments over 20 years and future challenges. Eur J Cancer 42:2183–2190

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Saukita R, Martos Jimenez MC, Miljus D, Pritchard-Jones K, Steliarova-Faucher E, Stiller C (2006) Geographical comparisons of cancer survival in European children (1988–1997): report from the automated childhood cancer information system project. Eur J Cancer 42:1972–1980

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Harris MB (2004) Palliative care in children with cancer: which child and when? J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 32:144–149

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Hallenbeck JL (2003) Palliative care consults: barriers to palliative care consults. In: Hallenbeck JL (ed) Palliative care perspectives. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Ben-Ari E (2011) Considering culture when providing cancer care. NCI Cancer Bull 8(5)

    Google Scholar 

  34. National Cancer Institute Bulletin (2009) Childhood cancer survivor’s art exhibit opens in Israel. NCI Cancer Bull 6(23)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Apter A, Farbstein I, Yaniv I (2003) Psychiatric aspects of pediatric cancer. Child adolescence psychiatric. Clin N Am 12:473–492

    Google Scholar 

  36. Golan H, Bielorai B, Grebler D, Izraeli S, Rechavi G, Turen A (2008) Integration of a palliative and terminal center into a comprehensive pediatric oncology department. Pediatr Blood Cancer 50:949–955

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Collins JJ, Devine TD, Dick GS et al (2002) The measurement of symptoms in young children with cancer: the validation of the memorial symptom assessment scale in children aged 7–12. J Pain Symptom Manage 23:10–16

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Fleckenstein M (2006) Padiatrische palliativemedizin Volz-. III.v Nickel-Esch, Martin.Hrsg. v. Stiftung F. Krebskranke u. Behinderte Kinder in Bayern. ISBN 978-3-9810531-1-1

    Google Scholar 

  39. Wolff J, Wolff B (2008) Quality of death in children: where is it higher-at home or in the hospital. Pediatr Blood Cancer 50:945–946

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) American academy of pediatrics committee on bioethic and committee on hospital care. Pediatrics 106:351–357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Murray SA, Sheikh Z (2008) Care for all at the end of life. British Medical Journal/Making a Difference 336:958–959

    Google Scholar 

  42. Palliative Care Australia (2010) Journeys: palliative care for children and teenagers. Commonwealth of Australia, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  43. Friedrichsdorf SF, Kang TI (2007) The Management of pain in children with life limiting illnesses. Pediatr Clin N Am 54:645–672

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Park A (2011) Healing the hurt: finding new ways to treat pain. In: TIME: health science of pain. Time Warner Publishing B.V., Amsterdam, pp 30–34

    Google Scholar 

  45. Solomon MZ, Sellers DE, Heller KS, Dokken, DL, Levetown M, Rushton C, Truog RD, Fleischman AR (2005) New and lingering controversies in pediatric end of life care. Pediatrics 116:872–883

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Feudtner C, Feinstein JA, Satchell M, Zhao H, Kang TI (2007) Shifting place of death among children with complex chronic conditions in the United States. JAMA 297(24):2725–2732

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Linton JM, Feudtner C (2008) What accounts for differences or disparities in pediatric palliative care and end-of-life care? A systematic review focusing on possible multilevel mechanisms. Pediatrics 122:574–582

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Higginson I, Thompson M (2003) Children and young people who die from cancer: epidemiology and place of death in England (1995–1999). BMJ 327:478–479

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. True G, Phipps E, Braitman L, Harralson T, Harris D, Tester W (2005) Treatment preferences and advance care planning at end of life: the role of ethnicity and spiritual coping in cancer patients. Ann Behav Med 30:174–179

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. World Health Organization (2007) Cancer control, knowledge into action: WHO guide for effective programs, module 5: palliative care. World Health Organization, Geneva, p V

    Google Scholar 

  51. McConnell Y, Frager G (2004) Module 12: decision-making in pediatric palliative care, Ian Anderson Continuing Education Program in End of Life Care. University of Toronto, p 5

    Google Scholar 

  52. Malas S (2011) The current status of palliative care in Cyprus: has it improved in the last years? J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S47–S51

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Shawawava M, Keleif AD (2011) Palliative care situation in the Palestinian Authority. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S64–S67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. El Shami M (2011) Palliative care: concepts, needs and challenges: perspectives on the experience at the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S54–S55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Komurcu S (2011) The current status of palliative care in Turkey. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S78–S80

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Shad A, Ashraf MS, Hafeez H (2011) Development of palliative care services in a developing country: Pakistan. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S62–S63

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Pitisillides B (2011) Personal communication. Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  58. Arnaout M (2011) Personal communication. King Hussein Cancer Center: Department of Pediatric Oncology. Amman, Jordan. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  59. Mutafoglu K (2011) Recent accomplishments in Dukuz Eylul University Hospital: a palliative care initiative. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S73–S76

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Tacyildiz N (2011) Personal communication. Ankara University: School of Medicine. Ankara, Turkey. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  61. Alsirafy SA, El Mesidy SM, Abu-Elela EN (2010) Where do Egyptian palliative care patients with cancer die? An J Hosp Palliat Care 27:313–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Abdel Rahman H, Sedky M, Rizkallah R (2011) Personal communication.Cairo University: National Cancer Institute & Children Cancer Hospital. Cairo, Egypt. Accessed March 2011

    Google Scholar 

  63. Ben Arush-Weyl M (2011) The current status of palliative care in Israel. A pediatric oncologist’s perspective. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S56–S59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Craig F, Huijer HS, Benini F, Kuttner L, Wood C, Ferraris PC, Zernikow B (2007) IMPaCCT: standards for pediatric palliative care in Europe. Eur J Palliative Care 14:109–114

    Google Scholar 

  65. Shvartzman P, Freud T, Singer Y, Brill S, Sherf M, Battat E, Vardy D(2009) Opioid use in an Israeli Health maintenance organization: 2000–2006. Pain Med 10:702–707

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. American University of Beirut Medical Center (2009) Tumor Registry Annual Report. American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). http://staff.anbedu.il/~webhcc/downloads/report/2009.pdf. Accessed Feb 11, 2011

  67. About Children Cancer Center in Lebanon (CCCL). CCCL. http://www.cccl.org.lb/. Accessed February 25, 2011

  68. Huijer HA (2011) Personal communication. Accessed March 16, 2011

    Google Scholar 

  69. Elcigil A, Maltepe H, Esrefgil G, Mutafoglu K (2011) Nurses’ perceived barriers to assessment and management of pain in a University Hospital. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S33–S38

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Turgay G, Kav S (2010) Healthcare professional’s views on palliative care [MSc Thesis]. Baskent University Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey

    Google Scholar 

  71. Pitsillides B (2010) Challenges and obstacles facing the oncology nurse in his/her attempts to manage pains in Cyprus. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:429–430

    Google Scholar 

  72. Kheilf AD (2010) Challenges and obstacles facing the oncology nurse in his/her attempts to manage pains in the Palestinian authority. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:430

    Google Scholar 

  73. Bashayreh A (2010) Challenges and obstacles facing the oncology nurse in their attempts to manage pain, the Jordanian experience. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:430–431

    Google Scholar 

  74. Morag A (2010) Practical ways to promote the effective use of opioids in cancer care. The Beilinson experience. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:431

    Google Scholar 

  75. Ben Ami S (2010) Training in pain management for oncology nurses in Israel. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:434

    Google Scholar 

  76. Ott BB, Al-Khadhiri J, Al-Junaibi S (2003) Preventing ethical dilemmas: the Muslim people. Pediatr Nurs 29:3

    Google Scholar 

  77. Bauer-Wu S, Barrett R, Yeager K (2007) Spiritual perspectives and practices and the end-of-life: A review of the major world religions and application to palliative care. Indian J Palliative Care 13:53–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Daher M, Silbermann M (2011) Opioids for cancer pain in Middle Eastern countries. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S23–S28

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Ozgul W, Koc O, Gultekin M, Guksel F, Kerman S, Tanyeri P, Ekinci H, Tuncer AM, Sencan I (2011) Opioids in cancer pain-availability, accessibility and regulatory barriers in Turkey and Paalia-Turk project. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 33:S29–S32

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Brittany MDP (2010) How does the pain and palliative care service function within the NIH clinical center? NCI cancer Bulletin. http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/032310/page6. Accessed 2011

  81. Silbermann M (2010) Endeavors to improve palliative care services to cancer patients in Middle Eastern countries. ASCO Educational Book, Alexandria, VA, pp 217–221

    Google Scholar 

  82. Silbermann M, Khleif AD, Balducci L (2010) Healing by cancer. J Clin Oncol 28:1436–1437

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Silbermann M, Khleif AD, Tuncer AM, Pitsillides B, Shad A, Oberman A, El Shami M, Gultekin M, Daher M, Tarawneh M, Harford J (2011) Can we overcome the effect of conflicts in rendering palliative care? Curr Top Oncol 13:302–307

    Google Scholar 

  84. Ben Arie E, Ali Shtayeh MS, Nejmi M, Schiff E, Hassan E, Mutafoglu K, Afifi F, Jamous RM, Lev E, Silbermann M (2011) Integrative oncology in the Middle East: weaving traditional and complementary medicine in supporting care. Supp Care Cancer doi: 10.1007

    Google Scholar 

  85. Balducci L (2011) “ASCO on Wings” offers educational opportunities around the world. ASCO CONNECTION, Alexandria, VA

    Google Scholar 

  86. Kamen BA (2010) Cancer pain, suffering and spirituality: a Middle East Cancer Consortium Meeting. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 32:5

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 31074, Israel

    Michael Silbermann

  2. Middle East Cancer Consortium, Haifa, 31074, Israel

    Michael Silbermann

  3. Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice, Sulaibikhat, Kuwait

    Maha Arnaout

  4. National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Fom El-Khalig, Cairo, 11796, Egypt

    Hany Abdel Rahman Sayed

  5. Department of Pediatrics, National Research Institute, Children’s Cancer Hospital, Cairo, 57357, Egypt

    Mohamed Sedky

  6. Department of Psychosocial Services, Children’s Cancer Hospital, Al Sayada Zeinab, Cairo, 57357, Egypt

    Mohammad El-Shami

  7. Department of Hematology and Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, 31096, Israel

    Myriam Ben-Arush

  8. Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Baghdad College of Medicine, Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq

    Salma Al-Hadad

  9. Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Huda Abu-Saad Huijer

  10. Palliative Care Services, The Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends, 1045, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Barbara Pitsillides

  11. School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey

    Nurdan Tacyildiz

  12. Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Washington, DC, 20007-2197, USA

    Aziza Shad

  13. Leukemia Lymphoma Program, Washington, DC, 20007-2197, USA

    Aziza Shad

  14. Cancer Survivorship Program, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, 20007-2197, USA

    Aziza Shad

  15. Department of Palliative Care, Children’s Cancer Hospital, Cairo, 57357, Egypt

    Reda Rizkallah

  16. Children Cancer Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

    Shamvil Ashraf

Authors
  1. Michael Silbermann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Maha Arnaout
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hany Abdel Rahman Sayed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mohamed Sedky
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Mohammad El-Shami
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Myriam Ben-Arush
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Salma Al-Hadad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Huda Abu-Saad Huijer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Barbara Pitsillides
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Nurdan Tacyildiz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Aziza Shad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. Reda Rizkallah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. Shamvil Ashraf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Silbermann .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, SW 16th Street 1329, Gainesville, 32610, Florida, USA

    Caprice Knapp

  2. , Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, SW 16th Street 1329, Gainesville, 32610, Florida, USA

    Vanessa Madden

  3. , College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, College Drive 1121, Saskatoon, S7N 0W3, Saskatchewan, Canada

    Susan Fowler-Kerry

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Silbermann, M. et al. (2012). Pediatric Palliative Care in the Middle East. In: Knapp, C., Madden, V., Fowler-Kerry, S. (eds) Pediatric Palliative Care: Global Perspectives. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2570-6_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation