Resumen:
Results: In total, 48/53 (91%) European countries responded to the survey. A total of 43 barriers and 65
opportunities were identified as being related to PC integration. Main barriers were (1) lack of basic PC training,
with a particular emphasis on the absence of teaching at the undergraduate level; (2) lack of official certification
for professionals; (3) lack of coordination and continuity of care for users and providers; (4) lack of PC
integration for noncancer patients; (5) absence of PC from countries¿ regulatory frameworks; and (6) unequal
laws or regulations pertaining to PC within countries. Innovations in education and new regulatory frameworks
were identified as main opportunities in some European countries, in addition to opportunities around the
implementation of PC in home care, nursing home settings, and the earlier integration of PC into patients¿ continuum
of care. With increasing provision of services, more challenges for the integration are detected ( p < 0.005).
