Education in palliative care: a questionnaire survey of Irish general practitioner trainees

General practitioners (GPs) play a central role in palliative care, yet research continues to reveal room for improvement in symptom control at home. The aim of this study was to evaluate the training in palliative care received by GPs completing vocational training in Ireland. A questionnaire survey was conducted among final-year GP trainees in all ten Irish GP training schemes. Questions addressed experience and training received in a list of 20 palliative care topics as undergraduate, postgraduate and GP trainee students. They were asked about the stresses involved in caring for this patient group, to rate their level of confidence in this area, and to indicate what further training they required. Respondents suggested that palliative care training could be improved by more formal teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Teaching in the GP training schemes was formal and comprehensive; trainees claimed to have at least some confidence in most of the topics listed. However, over 40% admitted having no confidence in use of the syringe driver, management of stoma problems, bereavement in children, and euthanasia; 57% indicated that further practical training in palliative care was of high priority for them. Trainees indicated that dealing with their own emotions was a significant source of stress; almost 30% indicated their medical training had not given them the necessary skills to cope with this. There is a continuing need for medical education in palliative care. Particular attention should be paid to the basic education of medical students and the training of junior doctors.