The outcomes of the monitoring research on the accessible environment in medical organizations delivering palliative care from 2021 to 2024

The development of a barrier-free environment for patients receiving palliative care has been actively discussed in scientific and practical contexts by both national and international experts since the 1960s and 1970s. In the Russian Federation, this objective is being addressed effectively at the state level. Objective. To assess changes in the accessibility of the environment for patients in medical organizations providing palliative care from 2021 to 2024, following the implementation of state programs. Materials and methods. The analysis used data from a monitoring sociological survey involving patients over 18 years of age receiving palliative care, their relatives and legal representatives (over 18 years), as well as relatives and legal representatives (over 18 years) of children and adolescents under 18 years of age receiving such care. Results. In 2024, compared to 2021, a higher proportion of patients aged 18 and older receiving palliative care, as well as their relatives and legal representatives, reported satisfaction with the equipment of medical organizations providing such care. The proportion of parents and legal representatives of children and adolescents receiving palliative care who reported satisfaction with the accessibility of the environment also increased. Only a small proportion of respondents identified issues in certain medical organizations, primarily related to lack of handrails, an insufficient number of wheelchairs, and a shortage of accompanying personnel. Conclusions. The monitoring study of individuals receiving palliative care, their relatives, and legal representatives demonstrated increased accessibility and ongoing modernization at all levels of care from 2021 to 2024. The establishment of an accessible environment in medical organizations for persons with disabilities is advancing due to the implementation of relevant state and regional programs.