Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice 2013

Only 60% of hospitals have palliative care programs in the United States. Palliative care has a workforce shortage of approximately 5,000-11,000 physicians to meet existing palliative care needs; this deficit is likely to increase. The literature shows major gaps in physician competence and confidence in providing palliative care - in pain management, psychosocial assessment and management, communication, awareness of community resources, etc.

The Harvard Medical School program in Palliative Care Education and Practice (PCEP) offers intensive learning experiences for physician and nurse educators who wish to become expert in the clinical practice and teaching of comprehensive, interdisciplinary palliative care, as well as gain expertise in leading and managing improvements in palliative care education and practice at their own institutions. Our goal is to contribute to the training of leaders and educators who can train the next generation of clinicians, and lead new programs to improve access to palliative care services.