title: Competence development in palliative care in Norway: A description and evaluation of a postgraduate education program in palliative care in Drammen, Norway.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to evaluate competence development in palliative treatment, nursing and care in students (n = 25) undergoing a two-year postgraduate education program in palliation at a university college in Norway.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was handed out on five occasions during the education period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that the students rated their competence level as between some competence and good competence before entering the course. However, the competence level rose throughout the course period, and at the end of their education most of the students perceived themselves at a very good or extremely good competence level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Statistically significant differences in all questions measuring competence in palliation were found on all occasions. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of education on students' perceived competence development and whether it has a positive impact on clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Buskerud University College, Drammen, Norway. bjorg.t.landmark@hibu.no
authors.forename: Bjørg T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Landmark
authors.forename: Astrid K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Wahl
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bøhler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010166:Palliative Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires