by InTrieste
The University of Trieste is set to become the epicenter of discussions surrounding palliative care as it hosts an international conference titled “Overcoming barriers and borders in palliative care: 100-UniTs of opportunities.” Organized in collaboration with the Italian Society of Palliative Care (SICP) and the Central European Initiative (CEI), the event will take place on Friday, May 24th, and Saturday, May 25th.
Expected to draw approximately 200 researchers and specialist doctors from across Central and Eastern Europe, the conference aims to foster the exchange of best practices, the implementation of innovative services, and the reinforcement of collaboration within the “Alpe Adria Region and the Western Balkans.”
Notable speakers will include representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) alongside experts from Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania, who will share insights gleaned from their diverse experiences in palliative care.
The significance of palliative care cannot be overstated. It not only enhances the quality of life for patients and their families but also addresses the fundamental right of individuals to alleviate suffering. Despite its importance, global statistics indicate that only a mere 14% of patients in need currently receive palliative care.
A central focus of the conference will be advocating for the recognition of palliative care as a human right, particularly for those facing severe suffering. Moreover, there will be a call to ensure universal access to palliative treatments, echoing the growing urgency to address the needs of an aging population grappling with chronic and degenerative diseases.
The University of Trieste has long been at the forefront of palliative care education, offering dedicated modules within its medical and nursing curricula. Additionally, it stands as one of the pioneering institutions in Italy to establish a Specialization School in Palliative Care.
Under the coordination of Dr. Raffaella Antonione, director of the Palliative Care and Hospice Network Complex Structure of the Julian Area of ASUGI and lecturer at the University of Trieste, the scientific committee has crafted a comprehensive program that promises to engage and enlighten attendees.
The conference will officially commence on Friday, May 24th, at 9:30 am, with esteemed speakers including Natasha Azzopardi Muscat from the World Health Organization Europe Division, Roberto Antonione, Secretary-General of the Central European Initiative, Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste, and other distinguished guests.
In an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, events such as these serve as crucial platforms for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and ultimately, improving the lives of those facing serious illness and end-of-life care challenges.
