title: International multiprofessional course in pediatric palliative care: benefits and challenges.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The "International Paediatric Palliative Care Course" (IPPCC) was held for the second time in Germany. The goals of the course were to impart knowledge and skills, to share experience and network, and to improve multiprofessional work.
  
  
  METHODS
  Design, content, and rationale for the course were described. Participants who had attended the first and second course were compared with respect to place of origin, demographics, and professional background. The reasons for attending the course were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Health care professionals from 35 countries attended the two courses, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and others. The major reasons for coming were to acquire knowledge and skills and to network with other professionals. The international multiprofessional course included lectures and workshops on specific challenges in pediatric palliative care as well as practical demonstrations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The IPPCC was designed to meet the challenges arising for the multiprofessional participants coming from a variety of professions, countries with diverse resources, needs, and approaches to practice. Future courses might include additional sessions on research, development of pediatric palliative care services, as well as discipline-specific sessions. Funding is necessary to specifically support professionals coming from low-income economies.
authors: Department of Vodafone Foundation Chair for Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Germany. J.Wager@kinderklinik-datteln.de
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Wager
authors: Boris
authors: B
authors: Zernikow
authors: Ross
authors: R
authors: Drake
authors: Danai
authors: D
authors: Papadatou
authors: Bettina
authors: B
authors: Hübner-Möhler
authors: Myra
authors: M
authors: Bluebond-Langner
mesh_terms: D004517:Education, Professional; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D058025:Interdisciplinary Studies; D007391:International Cooperation; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010166:Palliative Care