Published in PLOS One on 2026-02-12, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Christina Vallen Malichewe, Furahini Yoram, Juda Lyamai, Veronica Mkusa, George Kiwango, Obadia Nyongole, Nathanael Sirili
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0342485
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
The rising burden of chronic illnesses due to Communicable Diseases and Non-communicable Diseases has heightened the need for palliative care services globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates for palliative care integration from the lower levels of the healthcare system. However, health systems in many low—and middle-income countries suffer from a lack of palliative care services at the lower level.
This study aimed to explore the perceptions of the hospital in charge (the managers from 15 Health Centre facilities) on available healthcare services that can facilitate the integration of palliative care services at primary care facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
An exploratory qualitative case study on the perceptions of purposefully selected health facilities in charge of the available healthcare services, which can be used to facilitate the integration of palliative care services in primary care facilities. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews with the selected informants. Data was analysed using a content analysis approach. Two categories emerged from the in-depth interviews: the availability of physical support services to manage pain and symptoms and multiple support systems to facilitate care for patients with chronic illnesses. Health facilities in charge consider the availability of various healthcare services at primary healthcare facilities essential for integrating palliative care services at this level. However, these services do not work in the context of palliative care and lack the philosophy behind it.
The availability of these services is a starting point for developing palliative care philosophy and, thus, its integration. Capacity building on palliative care services at the Primary health care facilities is recommended.
Introduction
Palliative care, a holistic approach to patients with life-threatening illnesses, is increasingly integrated into primary healthcare (PHC) settings, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to improve patients’ quality of life and their families [1,2]. Primary health care is critical to palliative care services because of its comprehensiveness, patient-centered, and community-based approach [3]. It guarantees patients receive all the care they need, including attention to their emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well as their medical symptoms, with an emphasis on accessibility, coordination, and continuity of care [4].
Patients with chronic illness suffer from a wide range of pain and symptoms related to the chronic disease they are suffering from [5]. Primary healthcare facilities need palliative care services, for patients focusing on wholeness, physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual well-being, and incorporating a multidisciplinary approach involving various stakeholders in care [6]. It is reported that damage to one aspect of a person, for example, having physical pain, can lead to emotional distress that can affect the total functioning of an individual, leading to poor psychological and social performance [7].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Christina Vallen Malichewe, Furahini Yoram, Juda Lyamai, Veronica Mkusa, George Kiwango, Obadia Nyongole, Nathanael Sirili. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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- Evidence brief: Perspectives of stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare providers on improving access to stroke care services in Tanzania: A qualitative study
- Evidence brief: Utilization of palliative care services and associated factors among cancer patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Evidence brief: Availability and readiness of health facilities for non-communicable disease services in Ethiopia: Evidence from the nationally representative health facility survey 2022
