In October and November 2025, our partner from the Lung Alliance Netherlands (LAN), Els Verschuur, together with her team, carried out a series of important activities to support the implementation and dissemination of the ICLEAR-EU intervention within the EU PAL-COPD project.
Testing communication exercises with nursing students
On 20 October, LAN collaborated with nursing students from HAN University of Applied Sciences to test communication exercises using a newly developed set of communication cards. The students, who are enrolled in the minor Oncology & Palliative Care, participated in exercises that form part of the ICLEAR-EU training programme. These sessions provided valuable feedback on the usability and clarity of the communication materials and contributed to further strengthening the training approach. The communication exercises are designed to support healthcare professionals in addressing palliative care needs in patients with COPD in a structured and patient-centred manner.
International train-the-trainer programme in Amersfoort
On 17–19 November, LAN hosted the ICLEAR-EU train-the-trainer programme in Amersfoort. The event brought together 12 trainers (two per country) from six European countries: Belgium, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands. During the three-day programme, participants were trained to apply and teach the ICLEAR model in their respective countries. The aim is to enable the training of multidisciplinary healthcare teams and to gradually integrate palliative care into usual COPD care across Europe. LAN has taken the lead in the development of the training courses and coordinated the programme.
Presentation at LAN general meeting
On 20 November, Els Verschuur presented the EU PAL-COPD project during the general meeting of LAN members. This provided an opportunity to inform national stakeholders about the project’s objectives, progress and expected impact, and to strengthen engagement within the Dutch respiratory and palliative care community.
Through these combined activities, LAN continues to play a central role in scaling up the ICLEAR-EU intervention and promoting the integration of palliative care into routine COPD management across Europe.
