‘Integration and Innovation Across the Lifespan‘
The Irish Association for Palliative Care (IAPC) hosted the 24th Annual Education and Research Seminar on Tuesday 11th February, at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin. Focused on the theme “Integration and Innovation Across the Lifespan”, the event brought together professionals and researchers from across the country to share knowledge, present new research, and explore evolving practices in palliative care.
Event Highlights
The day featured a wide-ranging programme of platform and poster presentations, alongside keynote input from plenary speaker Dr. Fergal Twomey. His presentation was particularly well received, offering clear, practical insights on integrating palliative care across the lifespan, and drawing strong engagement from attendees.
Siel Bleu also joined the programme with a session demonstrating the role of physical activity in enhancing quality of life for those receiving palliative care. Their contribution supported the seminar’s commitment to a holistic, multidisciplinary view of care.
The day’s success was reflected in attendee feedback, with the majority rating the overall experience as excellent or very good. The event’s organisation, venue, hospitality, and academic content all received strong ratings, contributing to an atmosphere of professional engagement and meaningful exchange.
Dr. Nessa Keane was awarded Best Platform Presentation for her impactful research titled “Improving Prescribing Accuracy of PRN Medications for Haematology/Oncology Patients to Improve Safety and Efficacy.”
Her work addresses a critical area of clinical practice—ensuring the safe and effective use of as-needed medications in complex patient populations.
Dr. Geena Kelly received the award for Best Poster Presentation for her study “Exploring Associations Between Transfusion of Red Cell Concentrate and Changes in the Symptoms of Fatigue and Breathlessness in the Palliative Care Setting.”
Virtual Workshops
In addition to the in-person seminar, a series of virtual workshops were held in the weeks after the event. These covered key topics including palliative care for marginalised populations, transitions from paediatric to adult services, and care provision within the prison system. The workshops extended the reach of the seminar and provided additional opportunities for learning and participation.
Evaluation and Feedback
A detailed evaluation of the event highlighted a high level of satisfaction across all core aspects of the seminar. Attendees particularly valued the relevance of topics, the calibre of speakers, and the opportunities to engage with peers. Looking ahead, respondents overwhelmingly expressed a preference for the seminar to remain an in-person event, reflecting the importance of networking and face-to-face discussion in the palliative care community.
Looking Forward
We are grateful to all who contributed to the success of this year’s seminar—presenters, participants, partners, and volunteers. The feedback and insights gained will play an important role in shaping next year’s event as we continue to support education, research, and best practice in palliative care across Ireland.
