Palliative care research: driving us forward

摘要

There few people who would question the vital role of research in the development and progress of the specialty of palliative care, and the difference that this ultimately makes to people living with, or dying from, life-limiting conditions. Global interest in palliative care research is increasing, and this in turn is having a positive impact not only on the quality of the research being carried out, but also on the diversity of the areas of care where research is being undertaken. This was clearly reflected in the programme of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) World Research Congress, which took place in May in the beautiful city of Bern in Switzerland. The Kursaal Congress Centre provided the perfect location, with wonderful views across the city and to the distant alps. The glorious weather enabled delegates to enjoy the terraces and to use these areas as extra meeting spaces. The congress-which takes place every two years-aims to bring together the best palliative care researchers in the world to present their findings, identify challenges, meet and network with colleagues, and discuss and debate contemporary issues in the field. With almost 900 submitted abstracts from 55 countries, the scientific committee put together a diverse and interesting programme for this year's delegates.