Teaching Palliative Medicine in the Medical School Clerkship in France. A National E-Survey

There is considerable variation in the way that palliative medicine is taught allaround the globe. No comprehensive study has yet been conducted on the content of this teaching, particularly regarding clerkships and theoretical teaching (lectures, group teaching) in France. This would facilitate the standardisation of palliative care training throughout the country.

The main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the theoretical and practical training in palliative medicine that is offered during medical school clinical yearsstudies in France.

We conducted an online specially designed survey of the 34 medical schools in France, that offer a complete second cycle of medical studies. It was sent to the head of teaching between February and April 2024.

The response rate was 100%. In terms of clerkships, 30 institutions (88.24%) offer placements to second-cycle students (primarily in teaching hospitals) but for a limited number of their students. Thirty-three universities provided theoretical teaching, which is predominantly lecture-based (58.82%) or group-based (large group 38.24% and small group 47.06%). Moreover, we frequently observed a combination of different teaching methods, in particular group teaching and lectures (27%).

Training in palliative medicine during medical school in France varies widely. Practical training is available but limited in access, while theoretical training meets international standards but does not fully align with the EAPC objectives. Based on these results, the authors advocates for developing an access for all students to clerkships, and the development of theoretical teaching preferably in small groups in all universities.