6th Research Congress of the EAPC reflects research in palliative care

The global interest for research in palliative care is increasing rapidly and The 6^th Research Congress of the EAPC reflects this with a record number of abstracts and attendees --  more than 660 abstracts from 39 different countries will be presented to over 1200 international researchers and clinicians. Research to improve the care of patients with short life expectancy is a priority for governments in many countries. Large international collaborative research initiatives are beginning to bear fruit and a number of cutting edge studies will be presented in Glasgow. Highlights of the conference programme include:

·        Effect of genetics in cancer patients on their response to pain-killers like morphine

·        New strategies to avoid inappropriate transfers of terminally ill nursing home residents to hospitals at the end of life.

·        Mental clouding is prevalent in advanced disease but is an underestimated clinical problem. Helping clinicians to better understand its causes and management will improve the lives of patients and their carers.

·        Breathlessness is another common problem in advanced disease and associated with poor quality of life and shorter survival. Breathless patients need more attention, improved assessment and consequently better treatment.

The EAPC Research Network and the newly established European Palliative Care Research Centre will also be at the congress, presenting future research projects and an upcoming international PhD in palliative care.

http://www.eapcnet.org/research2010/