Journal of Palliative Care & Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

The population across the world is aging. In the United States there is projected to be more than 83.7 million people who are 65 and older in 2050, compared to 44.7 million who were 65 and older in 2013. The total population of the United States is 318.9 million, and the average life expectancy is 79 years. In comparison, China has a population of 1.4 billion, which is estimated to be 19% of the total world population. China’s life expectancy is on average 73 years. An aging population requires more health care services, and palliative care services are accessed by 65-79% of people before they die. The global population is estimated to increase by 38% to 9.6 billion in 2050, and 1.5 billion people will be 65 and older. Aging of the population poses many challenges to policy makers and the healthcare industry. Palliative care and end of life issues will become more prominent on a global stage than it is today. Funding and resources are needed to promote growing developments and identify innovations in palliative care. Future palliative care practices and programs are dependent on funding and support. This session will discuss funding sources, research centers, and foundations that focus on supporting research in palliative care.

Biography

Pamela V O’Neal, PhD, RN is Associate Professor of College of Nursing. She teaches the undergraduate and the doctor of nursing practice programs. She has a research focus in assessing suctioning processes to improve patient outcomes and is Co-Director of the Clear Project. She has experience in both laboratory and clinical research related to suctioning with newborns, adults, and older adults. She is Past-President of the North Alabama Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Chair of the Institutional Review Board for UAH, and was recognized as the Outstanding Faculty in the College of Nursing.

Email: onealp@uah.edu