Nordic Specialist Course in Palliative Medicine: Evaluation and Impact on the Development of Palliative Medicine in the Nordic Countries: A Survey among Participants from Seven Courses 2003-2017

Background: The five Nordic Associations for palliative medicine (PM) have since 2003 organized a common specialist course for six weeks in two years. Aim: To describe the course: participants, evaluations, impact on participants' careers, and on the development of PM in the Nordic countries. Methods: Information on participants taken from the course archive and national registries. A web survey sent to graduates from the courses 2003-2013 (n = 150) and 2013-2017 (n = 72). Results: Mean age at course start was 46.9 years; 66% were women. Mean overall evaluation score 5.7 (range 5.4-6.0, max 7.0). Survey response rate 84% (n = 186); 80% of respondents were working in PM, the majority as leaders, >90% engaged in teaching PM. About 40% were active in PM associations, lobbying, and guideline development. Conclusion: The Nordic Specialist Course in PM has had a profound impact on the participants' postcourse careers, influencing the development of PM in the Nordic countries.