CLINIC

Palliative care is a relatively new field in Armenia. Its development dates back to 2003, when the Association for Pain Management and Palliative Care was established. To introduce palliative care in Armenia, a needs assessment was conducted and a national concept was developed, aimed at establishing and advancing palliative care services.

The first palliative care service in Armenia was established on March 18, 2013, at the National Center of Oncology under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. To further develop this type of medical care, the Ministry of Health drafted relevant legislation, which, upon the Minister's instruction, was submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and passed its first reading.

On October 8, 2022, marking the 75th anniversary of the National Center of Oncology under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, a newly constructed palliative care facility was opened. The facility was designed in accordance with international standards for palliative care and is equipped to provide inpatient care for up to 32 patients.

The clinic provides specialized medical and psychosocial care, including:

1. Assessment and treatment planning for patients with malignant diseases presenting with severe symptoms, provided in an inpatient setting.
2. Pain management — severe pain is common in advanced cancer and may progressively become persistent. Appropriate non-opioid and opioid analgesics are used for pain control.
3. Management of nausea and vomiting — nausea and vomiting are common among patients with advanced or terminal cancer and, in many cases, can be managed with appropriate antiemetic medications.
4. Management of gastrointestinal symptoms — constipation is managed with enemas and other appropriate interventions. Diarrhea may occur following gastrointestinal surgery, chemotherapy, or intoxication associated with tumor breakdown products. Treatment may include various medications, such as antidiarrheal agents, enzymes, probiotics, and others.
5. Detoxification therapy — intravenous infusion therapy and hemosorption may be used when clinically indicated.
6. Correction of secondary anemia — transfusion of appropriate blood components is provided when necessary.
7. Palliative surgical procedures, performed by relevant specialists when indicated, including thoracentesis, paracentesis, and drainage procedures, with the aim of improving patients' quality of life.
8. Nursing and supportive care provided by junior and mid-level healthcare professionals.

An emergency medical service also operates in conjunction with the Palliative Care Clinic.

The service provides patient transportation from their place of residence to the National Center of Oncology and/or from the National Center of Oncology back to their place of residence.

A comprehensive psychosocial support service operates alongside the Palliative Care Service, with the aim of improving the psychosocial well-being of patients and their families.

The psychosocial team provides:

• Social counseling and assistance in addressing social needs
• Psychoeducation
• Psychological counseling and psychotherapy
• Art therapy
• Family counseling
• Bereavement support

Tel.: +374 10 205050, extension 154