Panorama actual de la enseñanza de medicina paliativa en la universidad española

Abstract

IntroductionPalliative Care education has gradually been incorporated into medical schools in accordance with the recommendations of several national and international organisations. The adaptation plan of the University to the European Higher Education Area («Bologna process») has led to a review of the curriculum in every degree. The aim of this study was to determine which medical schools in Spain have included palliative care in their new curricula. MethodThe curricula of medicine degrees of all Spanish faculties were reviewed, identifying subjects under the name «Palliative Medicine» or «palliative care». ResultsApproximately half (20 out of 39) the medical schools had a course designated to Palliative Care in their new graduate curriculum. In six faculties it is taught as a single subject, with an average of 3 teaching credits. When taught with other subjects (Oncology, Geriatrics, Family Medicine and other) the teaching load is variable. In 14 centres the subject is taught as an obligatory subject and in the rest it is optional. ConclusionsHalf of medical schools in Spain include a course in their new curricula in the field of palliative care. Palliative medicine is gradually being incorporated into the training of future Spanish physicians.