Formación de grado en cuidados paliativos en las universidades de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. Estudio descriptivo

Introduction: In view of the development that is taking place in the field of palliative care and the training recommendations carried out by different international, national and regional strategic plans, the Madrilenian Association of Palliative Care (AMCP) carried out this study with the aim of defining the current situation of training in palliative care in the Community of Madrid in medicine, nursing, psychology and social work degrees. Material and methods: To this end, a questionnaire was drawn up with the data considered relevant according to the evidence, which was sent to the different universities to be completed during the year 2021. If no response was received, the information was completed by the research team by reviewing the official teaching guides. Results: From the data obtained from the 46 university degrees analysed, we found that specific training in palliative care is found in 71.7░% of the universities. In 69.7░% of these, this training is not taught as an independent subject; the average number of ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) attributed to this training is 3. In more than 50░% of the studies there are no compulsory internships and workshops or seminars are only found in 39.5░% of the curricula. The most frequently taught seminar is "How to communicate bad news". The most frequently covered topics are "Emotional approach of patient and family", followed by "Symptom management" and "Ethical aspects". Conclusion: Training in palliative care is present more and more frequently in Madrid universities, usually as part of other subjects. Workshops, seminars, and compulsory internships are scarce. Teachers are mostly tenured and without specific training. We must continue working to achieve the standards set by scientific societies regarding training.