Abstract:
The palliative care has old tradition, as the single support and relief of
suffering in terminally ill patients form, until the release of antibiotics and the
development o f modern medical technologies, investigation, diagnosis and treatment. In
the 1960s the palliative care was officially recognised as a medical field, focused on the
psycho-emotional and spiritual aspects without neglecting, however, the physical aspects
o f care. Further evolution differed on a country basis.
The health insurance systems in Romania and France are based on the same
principle o f solidarity. The history o f the two palliative care systems has close start. In
this context, we propose a comparative study to identify the differences and similarities
between the systems o f palliative care in the two countries. Certain evaluation criteria
were selected for this purpose, in order to ensure a complex approach for this type o f
service. We have used the methods o f study documentation and direct observation through an internship performed in a clinic in France, Groupe Hospitalier Saint
Augustine-Malestroit.
In spite of the chronic low funding of the health system, non-challenging and
lean health legislation, the system of palliative care has developed slowly, hut
progressively, in Romania. Though, the level of services is far below the needs. This is
imposing a rigorous analysis o f the factors affecting the quality o f life o f patients and
the development of services strongly dependention these.
The French health care system is an example of good practice regarding
availability of health care, health care related services, accessibility to the patient, and
the legal frame: national policies, legislation, financial planning models and quality
control, training and human resources, including the emotional and spiritual support
like patient special needs, family support, support for' pediatric patients and their
families, religious and psychological assistance, staff issues.