Analyzing the Unique Needs of International Palliative Care Learners Attending a United States-Based Palliative Care Education and Practice Course.

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Many seriously ill patients in need of palliative care (PC) globally never receive it, partly due to a lack of well-trained providers. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We analyzed feedback from international participants in a U.S.-based PC training course: "Palliative Care Education and Practice" to identify elements of the course that would meet the needs of international learners. <b><i>Design:</i></b> This was a qualitative analysis of international course participants' written survey responses. Survey questions were related to anticipated PC practice change, barriers to PC practice change, and course strengths/weaknesses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Key barriers to PC practice change included lack of awareness of PC among local providers, challenges navigating institutional leaders, and a lack of trained providers. Participants requested an increased focus on topics such as resiliency, leadership, and pediatric PC. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> To address the needs of international learners, PC courses should consider offering a specific track for international participants, as well as an increased focus on topics such as resiliency, leadership development, and pediatric PC.