Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management https://journal.achsm.org.au/index.php/achsm <p>The Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management (APJHM) is a peer-reviewed journal for managers of organisations offering healthcare and aged care services. The APJHM aims to promote the discipline of health management throughout the region by facilitating the transfer of knowledge among readers by widening the evidence base for management practices.<br /><br />*Print 1(1);2006 - 5(1);2010 Online 4(2);2009 - current<br />*ISSN 2204-3136 (online); ISSN 1833-3818 (print)</p> Australasian College of Health Service Management en-US Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management 1833-3818 Adding Life to Years: Comprehensive end-of-life care for all https://journal.achsm.org.au/index.php/achsm/article/view/3893 <p>This study builds upon our 2019 End-of-Life Care (EoLC) research, focusing on enhancing the quality and accessibility of EoLC in Hong Kong. With the introduction of the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Bill, we identified the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the full spectrum of care needs beyond medical decisions. Our methodology leveraged insights from diverse stakeholders across various sectors and disciplines.</p> <p>The study revealed critical gaps in the system, service provision, and education related to EoLC. We propose six key recommendations: (1) develop a territory-wide standardised advance care planning (ACP) framework, (2) formulate an EoLC service strategy, (3) establish clear communication pathways to connect EoLC services, (4) promote public life and death education, (5) equip community professionals with ACP training, and (6) enhance university curriculum and on-the-job training in health and social care.</p> <p>These recommendations aim to create a cohesive EoLC ecosystem that respects individual preferences, optimises resource allocation, and addresses the challenges of an aging population. By implementing changes at system, service, and education levels, we envision EoLC in Hong Kong to be delivered in a person-centred, dignified, and coordinated manner, ensuring compassionate care at the final stage of life.</p> Ryan IP Dicky CHOW Dorothy Yeung Jessie Zhang Betty Shu Copyright (c) 19 1 Role of Social Determinants of Health in Reproductive Cancer Care Among Women: A cross-sectional survey from diverse demographic and regional settings in India https://journal.achsm.org.au/index.php/achsm/article/view/3891 <p>Access to reproductive cancer care in India is significantly affected by social determinants of health. Reproductive cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers, constitute a significant health challenge for women in India. This cross-sectional survey aims to comprehensively assess the landscape of reproductive cancer care among women in India, exploring access, awareness, and barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. This study highlights challenges in delivering care for reproductive cancers among women in India. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving a representative sample of women from four diverse geographical regions, urban and rural settings, and varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Structured interviews were conducted, and questionnaires were used to collect data on participants’ awareness of reproductive cancers, utilization of healthcare facilities, and experiences related to access to cancer care. The study adopted a convenient sampling approach and captured data from 509 women diagnosed with reproductive cancer. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS 25 version. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The survey identified one-fourth of the respondents as having ovarian cancer, and 23.4% were diagnosed with cervical cancer. One-third of the study respondents were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 18% had other reproductive system cancers. The survey also assesses the prevalence of risk factors contributing to the incidence of reproductive cancers. Socioeconomic status, education level, rural‒urban settings, and cultural beliefs influence the healthcare-seeking behavior of the study participants. Insufficient knowledge, the stigma of reproductive health problems, and a lack of family income frequently discourage women from obtaining timely medical treatment.</p> Padmaja Gadiraju C Vanlalhruaii Ranjit Kumar Dehury Punam Singh Imteyaz Ahmad Parthsarathi Dehury Copyright (c) 19 1