[Palliative medicine-- research and education in a new specialist field]

Palliative medicine has developed into a recognised specialty in medicine, calling for a high level of skills as well as evidence-based clinical guidelines. The undergraduate teaching in medical schools in Norway is fragmented in this area, and national minimum standards are needed. At the graduate level, teaching in palliative medicine should be included in all relevant specialties. Doctors who are fully involved in palliative medicine should have a specialised education. Recently, a Nordic Curriculum in Palliative Medicine was developed and a two-year course initiated; 30 doctors have graduated. There is a need for research in palliative care, both on the basic biological level as well as on the clinical level. National and international collaboration is needed in order to reach these goals. Nationally, there are some research groups that perform excellently. However, there is a need to strengthen research in this area. Chairs in palliative medicine will facilitate such a development and are urgently needed in all medical schools.