On March 17, 2024, AL-AMAL’s multidisciplinary palliative care team participated in a capacity-building workshop focused on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status, a vital clinical tool used to evaluate a patient’s functional status and guide treatment decisions.
The ECOG scale is widely recognized in oncology and palliative care for its role in assessing disease progression, understanding how illness impacts daily living, and informing prognosis and care planning. The training was facilitated by Dr. Zainab INGABIRE, a medical specialist and the Head of Research and Development at AL-AMAL.
This workshop equipped the team with practical knowledge on how to interpret and apply the ECOG scale in their routine care. The goal was to enhance their ability to identify changes in a patient’s physical capabilities and tailor care interventions accordingly, especially for those with life-limiting conditions.
“This course we learned today has helped us better understand the stage of the disease and what to do for the patient when their life is changing day by day,” shared Halima MUKAWERA, a dedicated palliative care volunteer.
Selecting this topic reflected AL-AMAL’s commitment to continuous learning and evidence-based practice. The training ensures that the care provided is not only compassionate but also clinically informed, allowing for better patient outcomes and more personalized support throughout the illness journey.
Through such workshops, AL-AMAL continues to strengthen its role as a leading provider of home-based palliative care in Rwanda, ensuring dignity, comfort, and appropriate care for every patient, every day.