Status of palliative care education in Germany : Asurvey of medical faculties in 2018

Abstract

To investigate the development in palliative care education in Germany, numerous surveys have been conducted since 2006. They showed differences of palliative care education between the faculties before and after the implementation of palliative care as amandatory subject. The present study aims to document the status of palliative care education at German medical faculties in 2018. Using an online questionnaire with 19questions, the structure, organization, content, and assessment of palliative care education of German medical faculties were assessed. Of the 37participating faculties, 30reported improvements in terms of structural aspects, e.g., there were more palliative care units and full professorships. Due to increasing opportunities for final year rotations and innovative, practical teaching, students can now deepen their knowledge, skills, and attitude in palliative care. This study showed clear progression in palliative care education. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement in terms of examination formats and professorships. Complementary surveys with students would be helpful to evaluate the education outcome.