The Nordic Specialist Course in Palliative Medicine: evaluation and experiences from the first course 2003-2005.
OBJECTIVE
Palliative medicine is not recognized as a medical specialty in any of the five Nordic countries, but there is a great need for physicians with specialty qualifications to serve on an increasing number of palliative care services. The Associations for Palliative Medicine in the five countries agreed to develop a common Nordic course on a specialty level.


RESULTS
A theoretical training course in six modules in two years was developed, based on the British palliative medicine curriculum and including a limited research project and a written exam. Twenty-two out of 30 students completed the first course as scheduled in 2005, and five more have obtained their course diploma later. The evaluation from the students showed very satisfactory personal experiences and subjective learning outcomes, and a positive influence on the overall development of palliative care in the respective countries.


CONCLUSIONS
The Nordic Specialist Course in Palliative Medicine has proved a successful Nordic collaboration and may form the basis for a full specialist training programme.
Haugen
D F
DF
Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. dagny.haugen@helse-bergen.no
Vejlgaard
T
T
D004501:Education, Medical; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D007055:Iceland; D010166:Palliative Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; D013038:Specialization; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods