ABSTRACT Introduction: This study examined the challenges and factors that facilitate the integration of palliative care (PC) education into the medical curriculum of a public institution, emphasizing its significance for a humanized training aligned with current demands. Objective: To identify challenges and contributing factors for including PC in medical education. Methods: Descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative-qualitative strategy. Results: Data were grouped into three categories: 1) perception of professors of teaching and challenges, 2) strategies for structuring PC education, and 3) suggested pathways for improvement. Although PC is essential for humanizing medical practice, it faces limited actions and cultural barriers. Challenges include training in delivering difficult news and overcoming the model focused on therapeutic obstinacy. Pain management, family-centered care, and spirituality were prioritized. Conclusion: The study highlighted the urgent need for curriculum changes to integrate PC, aligning with the National Curriculum Guidelines and improving medical and institutional training.
Castro et al. (Wed,) studied this question.