Cagliari, first master's degree in palliative care concluded: 33 doctors trained

"An indispensable cornerstone of health care in the treatment of patients with chronic and disabling diseases". This was stated by Gabriele Finco, director of the Anesthesia and Intensive Care unit of San Giovanni di Dio, and director of the first advanced training and qualification master's degree in "II level palliative care" at the University of Cagliari. "A fundamental step in the creation of the Palliative Care network of the Sardinia Region", explained Finco, "because it allowed the training of doctors who will have to operate within it".

The title of excellence was achieved by 33 doctors and today, in the red great hall of the university Citadel of Monserrato, the ceremony was held: «An evolved society», declared the rector Francesco Mola, present at the event, « is takes care of people's well-being in every moment of life , especially in the most difficult ones. Palliative care is a very important knowledge that helps alleviate pain and suffering and this is the first master dedicated entirely to this important medical field. I therefore express my thanks for the dedication and commitment of Professor Finco and of all the people who have ensured that this result has been achieved. The hope», he concluded, «is that these professional figures are integrated in all fields of healthcare in which their role can really make a difference for the patients of Sardinia».

The general director of the Aou of Cagliari, Chiara Seazzu, is also of a similar opinion: «The task that these doctors will have will be of fundamental importance: patients will rely on them for comfort and relief from suffering . Thanks to this special advanced training course", explained Seazzu, "citizens will find excellent professionals who are expert in the care of patients, attentive to their frailties, but also of family members involved in daily management". The ceremony was also attended by the regional health councilor Carlo Doria, who spoke of future projects on the subject: "We have set up regional tables and we are creating a network that provides for a territorial distribution with reference hospitals".

«Palliative care», adds the director of the Master Finco, «take care of the sick person in all his dimensions : physical, relational, spiritual, emotional and social. They take care of the patient and his family, providing active support to the various needs related to the course of the disease. They have as their objective», he concludes, « the relief of the suffering of the disease , even in those who no longer have any possibility of recovery».