The EU PAL-COPD project was featured at the ERS Congress 2026 through a dedicated mini-symposium exploring how palliative care can be better integrated into the routine care of people living with advanced COPD.
The session brought together members of the EU PAL-COPD consortium to share with the respiratory communication project insights and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with delivering earlier, more person-centred palliative care.
The symposium opened with a pre-recorded patient testimony developed by ELF as part of the EU PAL-COPD project. In the video, Richard Müller (United Kingdom) shared his experience of living with advanced COPD, highlighting the physical, emotional and social impact of the disease and the importance of addressing palliative care needs earlier in the patient journey.
Dr Szilvia Soós (UPECS) discussed the substantial unmet palliative care needs experienced by people with advanced COPD and the barriers that continue to limit access to timely support. She highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and early identification of patients who may benefit from palliative care.
Focusing on communication, Els Verschuur (LAN) explored challenges surrounding discussions on palliative care, goals of care and advance care planning. She presented practical strategies and tools to support meaningful conversations and shared decision-making.
The final presentation, delivered by Didar Karadag Akkaya (ULANC), showcased the EU PAL-COPD project’s work on adapting and implementing a palliative care intervention across multiple European countries, highlighting the importance of tailoring interventions to different healthcare settings while preserving their core components.
The session generated strong interest and discussion, reflecting growing recognition that palliative care is an essential component of comprehensive COPD care. Through this symposium, the EU PAL-COPD consortium showcased key project developments and contributed to advancing patient-centred care for people living with advanced COPD across Europe.
