Funding Authority: National Agency for Community Programmes in the Field of Education and Vocational Training (NA)
Budget: 250.000 euro
Partners: Humanitarian Organization CONCORDIA through CONCORDIA Academia (Romania), Kardinal König Haus (Austria), Instituto Politecnico de Leiria (Portugal)
Period: 31.12.2023 – 30.12.2025
Impact of the project
The project aimed to build inclusive and resilient caring communities where professionals, carers and citizens work together to improve the quality of life of people facing severe illness or nearing the end of life. It addressed gaps in palliative care education, particularly in non-oncology settings, and promoted an integrated and holistic approach.
The central intervention was an international Train of Trainers (ToT) program in palliative care: 21 socio-medical professionals learned training and facilitation skills. The training included 5 modules, 16 training days, international online community meetings, group mentoring sessions and supervision/coaching sessions.
At national level, trained practitioners contributed to the implementation of training programs and community learning activities for carers. A total of 432 carers and professionals participated in training activities and community initiatives in Romania, Austria and Portugal, reporting increased knowledge, improved self-care capacity, reduced isolation and strengthened support networks.
The project generated a set of high-quality educational resources, developed through the academic expertise of Kardinal König Haus (Austria) and the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (Portugal), combined with the experiential and practical expertise of CONCORDIA Academia (Romania). These include a structured curriculum for the Train of Trainers program in palliative care, Manuals for Trainers, a Practical Guide for Caregivers and a Guide to Philosophical Practices for Self-Care for those involved in hospice and palliative care, grounded in research, clinical experience and adult education methodologies. In addition, CONCORDIA Academia has produced a series of six thematic podcasts, “Conversations about Life and Loss”, dedicated to palliative care, with special guests and experts in the field. The resources blend academic rigour, field practice and cross-cultural perspectives, providing applicable tools for professionals and caregivers and strengthening the capacity of organizations to deliver blended VET programs in palliative care.
The project introduced and strengthened the Caring Communities model, promoting collaboration between social and medical actors and reinforcing the principles of dignity, inclusion and shared responsibility in palliative care.
Results – learning resources and materials
The Train of Trainers curriculum in palliative care is based on the experience of the Train of Trainers program developed within the Erasmus+ iCare project, which trained a multidisciplinary team of 22 professionals from Romania, Austria and Portugal. The content reflects practical learning, intercultural exchange and accumulated expertise in diverse palliative care settings.
The aim of the Creating Learning Communities for Developing a Culture of Compassionate Palliative Care (CLC-CPC) course is to support trainers in developing and facilitating learning communities that promote a culture of compassionate palliative care. The curriculum integrates the dimensions of ‘death literacy’ and is designed to be applicable in different social, educational and community contexts, in line with the principles of the Compassionate Cities initiative.
The Trainer’s Manual is a practical guide for trainers and facilitators who want to develop learning experiences for caregivers and palliative care professionals. The manual provides essential guidelines for organizing and delivering effective training sessions based on compassion, active listening and respect. The content can be adapted to different areas of expertise and supports the development of learning communities that promote a humane and responsible palliative care culture. The ‘Method Sheets’ appendix contains a collection of methods and exercises that can be applied and adapted in different training formats.
The Trainer’s Manual – Palliative Care Course for Caregivers is a practical guide designed by CONCORDIA Academy to support trainers and facilitators in delivering a structured palliative care course for informal caregivers. The manual covers essential topics such as introduction to palliative care, symptom management (including pain, asthenia, asthenia, delirium, dyspnea, anorexia and cachexia), communication strategies, spirituality at the end of life, end-of-life care, caregiver self-care and the role of compassionate communities. It combines theoretical underpinnings with practical tools, exercises and adaptable training methods that can be implemented in different formats and learning contexts.
The Trainer’s Manual – Palliative Care Course for Professionals is a comprehensive guide designed to support trainers in delivering a structured palliative care program for socio-medical professionals. It covers key areas such as symptom management, ethics, communication, end-of-life care, spirituality, understanding trauma, professional identity and self-care. Structured in 11 chapters, the manual combines theoretical foundations with practical tools, clinical guidance, reflective exercises, case studies and training techniques. It promotes interdisciplinary working and patient-centered care, supporting a holistic approach, as well as burnout prevention and the development of emotional resilience.
A Philosophical Perspective on Self-Care – A Guide for Hospice and Palliative Care Professionals is written by Patrick Schuchter and focuses on helping hospice and palliative care professionals and caregivers cultivate a holistic culture of self-care. This guide emphasizes the interdependence between caring for self and caring for others, moving beyond the classic work-life balance perspective to address the existential, moral, spiritual and social dimensions of care. The guide includes philosophical reflections, practical exercises and strategies for self-care at personal, team and community levels.
The Practical Guide for Caregivers is an accessible resource designed to support caregivers in developing the knowledge and confidence in palliative care in different social contexts. Grounded in the concept of ‘death literacy’ and aligned with the vision of ‘compassionate cities’, the guide supports caregivers to actively participate in building compassionate palliative care cultures in their communities.
It responds to the concrete learning needs of caregivers, addressing topics such as pain management, grief and loss management, communication, self-care strategies, stress management and the grieving process. Written in clear language and grounded in real-life experiences, the guide combines practical tools with emotional and psychosocial support, helping caregivers to provide care while protecting their own well-being.
“Conversations About Life and Loss” is a podcast series that opens an honest dialog about what palliative care means, why it is essential to the quality of life of people with serious illness and their families. Episodes cover topics such as pain management, emotional support, spirituality, the grieving process and the experience of loss, the role of the multidisciplinary team in difficult times, bringing together diverse perspectives, experts and special guests who can change the way we look at life, illness and loss.
All the materials stated above were developed in the framework of the iCare project, which was co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. The views and opinions expressed, however, are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the National Agency for Community Programs in Vocational Education and Training (ANPCDEFP). Neither the European Union nor ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
