As part of the five-year EPEC-Pediatrics Europe project, we are bringing comprehensive, cutting-edge education in pediatric palliative care to Europe. The existing EPEC-Pediatrics models (from the USA) will be updated and adapted to the European context. Throughout the project, national Task Forces will be established (initially in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Italy) to ensure:
- Local implementation of the program in their respective countries.
- Coordination of translations and adaptations of the curriculum into national languages and cultural contexts.
- Organization of international and national workshops taught using the EPEC-Pediatrics methodology.
The main objectives of EPEC-Pediatrics Europe are:
- Curriculum update and adaptation: The project includes updating the existing 24 modules, expanding them with new topics, and adapting them to geographic and cultural conditions. The updated modules will be taught in English at international workshops (Levels 1–3) in Prague and Rome.
- Needs assessment and expansion: Based on a comprehensive mapping of educational needs in pediatric palliative care, European countries where the implementation of the EPEC-Pediatrics program would be most beneficial will be identified. Subsequent training of experts will improve care for seriously ill children and increase its accessibility where it is needed most.
- Psychosocial-spiritual curriculum: Developing a new psychosocial-spiritual curriculum (and adapting/translating it into selected national languages in a later phase of the project). In the initial phase, this curriculum will be taught in English alongside other EPEC modules.
The project is led by Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf in cooperation with and with the support of the Vlček Family Foundation.
Upcoming Level 2 and 3 Training: Rome (October 24–27, 2026)
- Train the Trainer (Level 2) | October 24–26, 2026 This intensive course is designed for experienced pediatric palliative care professionals (physicians, nurses, psychologists, trainees, physiotherapists, and social workers) who wish to teach pediatric palliative care in their region, country, or institution. Please note: This is not a course covering basic clinical skills, and fluent proficiency in English is required.
- Professional Development Workshop (Level 3) | October 27, 2026 This 1-day, hands-on, small-group workshop (max. 5–8 participants per group) will follow the Level 2 program. It focuses on the theory and practice of adult education and clinical practice improvement. Prior attendance at the EPEC-Pediatrics Train the Trainer workshop is a prerequisite. This course is required for “Trainers” who wish to become a “Faculty Lecturer” with the potential of joining the EPEC-Pediatrics faculty in the future.
Registration: You can register for the workshops here.
