Fig. 1

Participants’ performance, grouped by competencies and overall score with median values Kruskal-Wallis test, the numbers shown are the medians; *: presence of a relevant statistical difference; a: difference between basic and clinical cycles; b: difference between basic cycle and internship; c: difference between clinical cycle and internship. Competence 1 = apply the core constituents of PC in the proper and safest environment for patients and families; competence 2 = increase physical comfort during patients’ illness trajectories; competence 3 = meet patients’ psychological needs; competence 4 = meet patients’ social needs; competence 5 = meet patients’ spiritual needs; competence 6 = respond to the needs of family caregivers in relation to short-, medium- and long-term care objectives; competence 7 = respond to the challenges of clinical and ethical decision-making in PC; competence 8 = implement comprehensive care coordination and interdisciplinary teamwork in all contexts in which PC is offered; competence 9 = develop appropriate interpersonal and communication skills. Source: the author, 2023