Course Curriculum

Lars Ofstad January 10th, 2007

The group decided to use the British Curriculum in Palliative Medicine, level C, (1) as the basis for the course content. All current palliative medicine curricula are more or less based on this one. Attention has also been paid to the EAPC Curriculum (2) and the Swedish Curriculum (3). The course is aimed at doctors in the forefront of palliative medicine, who will play an important part in developing the field in their countries. Research should therefore be an integrated part of their specialist training, and a limited research project is included in the course.

Objective of specialist training in Palliative Medicine
The objective of a training programme in Palliative Medicine is to equip doctors who have specialist qualifications in relevant specialties to carry the responsibility of a consultant working full time in a specialist palliative care setting with responsibility for a substantial numbers of patients with late stage disease (which may not necessarily be malignant). This responsibility includes:

  • initial assessment of diagnosis, symptoms and their cause, especially any new symptoms, and treatments of patients with late or end stage disease, both malignant and non-malignant disease, always considering the four dimensions of symptomatology (physical, psychological, social and spiritual)
  • daily assessment of the degree to which control of pain and other symptoms has been achieved
  • mobilising the assistance of doctors from other medical specialties for further measures such as intervention therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and specialised investigations
  • actively contributing to teambuilding and to the collaboration of the professionals in a multidisciplinary team ( nurses, doctors, social worker, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, dieticians, clergy etc.)
  • teaching and promoting the knowledge and aims of palliative medicine to medical colleagues, other health care professionals and the general public.
  • co-ordinating relevant interventions for the patient not only specialist medical services, but also services from other professionals in collaboration with the patient’s G.P. securing a smooth pathway for the patient between institutions and home.
  • working with other professionals with families as well as patients in the prevention of bereavement morbidity
  • when asked, advising clinical colleagues in hospitals or in the community about treatment and management approaches and possibilities for specific patients

Course content

Module 1
Trondheim, Norway, September first year

A. INTRODUCTION TO PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
B. EVIDENCE-BASED PALLIATIVE MEDICINE – PART 1
C. SYMPTOM CONTROL IN CANCER PATIENTS

Module 2
Helsinki, Finland, January second year

A. THE IMMINENTLY DYING
B. AUDIT

Module 3
Malmø, Sweden, April second year

A. COMMUNICATION – PART 1
B. ETHICS
C. TEAMWORK

Module 4
Bergen, Norway, September second year

A. EVIDENCE-BASED PALLIATIVE MEDICINE – PART 2
B. PALLIATIVE RADIOTHERAPY, CHEMOTHERAPY AND SURGERY. EMERGENCIES IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
C. COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
D. TEACHING

Module 5
Copenhagen, Denmark, January third year

A. COMMUNICATION – PART 2
B. PAIN

Module 6
Stockholm, Sweden, May third year

A. MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION
B. SYMPTOM CONTROL IN NON-CANCER
C. PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH PROJECTS
D. EVALUATION; EXAMINATION

References:

1. Palliative Medicine Curriculum for Medical Students, General Professional training and Higher Specialist training. Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland, 1991.

2. Report and Recommendations of a Workshop on Palliative Medicine Education and Training for Doctors in Europe. European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC), 1993.

3. Svensk läroplan i palliativ medicin. Svensk Förening för Palliativ Medicin, 2001.

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