Traveling Scholars Program Report
Alvaro Méndez Guerra
Travel date: May 23, 2019
Name of Meeting/Event/Activity: 16th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC)
Origin: Ciudad de la Costa, Uruguay / Destination: Berlin, Germany
How was this meeting/activity helpful to you?
Participation in the World Congress helped me to update myself on some topics, for example delirium, heart failure, palliative care education and palliative care research. I shared with colleagues around the world different experiences in palliative care that was very enriching. I brought ideas of research work to apply in Uruguay and contact with other professionals to work together.
How will you new knowledge & acquired skills help in furthering your work in hospice and palliative care in your program/city/ or country?
Currently I work helping in the development of palliative care in an area of Uruguay without coverage. I go to remote areas and see patients with health teams in the area. I teach directly with the health teams. Training in palliative care is essential to ensure quality patient care.
How IAHPC Traveling Scholars Program be improved in order to help other future traveling scholars?
The procedure is simple, and someone from the IAHPC is always available to help. Don't think there is anything to improve.
Narrative summary highlighting the needs and challanges you face
In Uruguay the coverage of palliative care has improved a lot, however the training is still a weakness of the country. I participated in the pre-congress course of EDUPALL and it was an excellent instance of learning. We share common problems in education. The incorporation of Palliative Medicine to the University is an imperative to continue developing palliative care and we are on that path.