Equipping future physicians to recognize a palliative approach to care: A mixed methods study on palliative…

StudyPalliative care and social practice· 2026

Equipping future physicians to recognize a palliative approach to care: A mixed methods study on palliative care training needs in internal medicine residency.

Katrin Conen, Ashlinder Gill, Ahmad Hamade, Jinbaek Kim

Palliative & End-of-LifeStudyQ1IF 2.8

Only half of internal medicine residents are satisfied with their palliative care training.

Equipping future physicians to recognize a palliative approach to care: A mixed methods study on palliative care training needs in internal medicine residency.

Katrin Conen … Jinbaek Kim

Palliative care and social practice · 2026

Background

A palliative approach to care emphasizes holistic assessment and treatment planning for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to assess the training needs of internal medicine residents at McMaster University and inform future curriculum development.

Methods

Phase 1 included an online survey distributed to post-graduate years (post-graduate years) 1 to 5 internal medicine residents, assessing exposure, comfort, and preferences regarding palliative care education.

Results

about half of residents are unhappy with their training

Rated palliative care

54%

Satisfied with current

50%

More results

Twenty-four residents completed the survey.

Residents reported comfort with symptom management and communication but discomfort with outpatient resources and discussing artificial nutrition.

Suggestions included mandatory rotations, case-based learning, and integration of community-based care.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 3

Internal medicine residents value palliative care education and support its integration into residency training.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

Findings highlight the need for a structured curriculum that balances didactic and experiential learning, addresses identified gaps and promotes longitudinal skill development.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

Such efforts are essential to prepare future specialists to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Equipping future physicians to recognize a palliative approach to care: A mixed methods study on palliative care training needs in internal medicine residency.

Equipping future physicians to recognize a palliative approach to care: A mixed methods study on palliative care training needs in internal medicine residency.

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