Travel date: May 18, 2017
Name of Meeting/Event/Activity: 15th European Association Palliative Care Conference
Origin: Yerevan, Aremenia / Destination: Madrid, Spain
The participation at 15th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care Progressing Palliative Care was really impressive for me. It was the first time when I met so many palliative care specialists at the same place. It was both very exciting and very informative for me. In Armenia, Palliative care is in the development process and it was very interesting for me to hear about the practices from countries on very different stages of development. It made me think about different issues that we can confront on our way of development and about the possible ways of overcoming them.One of the important things that my participation in the Congress gave me are the new contacts and possibilities for cooperation, and of course, a lot of new information, which is always a source for new ideas.
The Congress was so full of information, that I still have a feeling of regret that it was impossible to be in different places at the same time. I can emphasize 3 the most important areas for me during the congress: the process of establishment the palliative care in different countries, curriculums in palliative care and psychological intervention in palliative care. I succeeded in getting specific knowledge and information about the recent research in those topics. It will help me improve the work that we are doing in Armenia with a principal goal of establishing high quality palliative care.
To be honest I liked all the process, so I am afraid I cannot be helpful in this section.
Palliative care in Armenia is still in the process of development. We have a lot of issues from opioids to the lack of professionals. We have to work a lot to achieve changes. But it’s not enough. It is important to know the main directions. Of course, every country has unique experience and we have to make our own mistakes, but the knowledge of the experience of other countries can not only help practically but also inspire. So if you ask me, what I received from EAPC 15th World Congress, I will answer - inspiration. I am very thankful for the opportunity to meet all those people who have dedicated their lives to realize one of the fundamental rights of the person: to live and to die with dignity.