Hospice and Palliative care

About Conference

The 12^th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care, scheduled for December 17-18, 2025 in Paris, France will be a landmark event in the field of hospice and palliative medicine. This congress will bring together leading experts, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and caregivers from around the world, providing a dynamic platform for the exchange of innovative research, compassionate practices and global perspectives in end-of-life and supportive care.

With a focus on addressing contemporary challenges in hospice and palliative care, the congress will cover a wide range of themes, from advancements in pain management and symptom relief to holistic approaches that enhance quality of life and dignity for patients and families. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative sessions, while also enjoying sample opportunities to connect with peers across disciplines and regions.

Details for  Hospice2025 Conference in:

Why to attend this conference?

The 12^th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care is a must-attend event for anyone dedicated to advancing compassionate care and improving quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness. By joining us in Paris, France on December 17-18, 2025, you will gain access to the latest research, innovative practices, and holistic approaches shaping the future of hospice and palliative care worldwide.

This congress offers a unique opportunity to learn from global leaders, participate in interactive workshops and explore multidisciplinary strategies that integrate clinical excellence with empathy and dignity.

Whether you are a clinician, researcher, caregiver, policymaker, or healthcare professional, this event provides an unparalleled platform to exchange ideas, collaborate on impactful initiatives and expand your global network. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, discover emerging models of care and be part of a global movement dedicated to ensuring comfort, dignity, and compassion at every stage of life.

Don’t miss the chance to contribute to shaping the future of hospice and palliative care

Participation/Presentation Options

The 12^th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care, taking place on December 17-18, 2025, in Paris, France, offers a wide range of opportunities for participation, presentation, and engagement designed to meet diverse professional goals and interests. Whether you wish to share your latest research, connect with global peers, or contribute your expertise, there is a format tailored for you.

Oral and Poster Presentations

Present your innovative work through 15–20 minute talks or interactive poster sessions that foster one-on-one discussions and feedback.

E-Poster and Virtual Presentations
Expand your reach by showcasing digital posters or presenting your research virtually through live-streamed sessions.

Keynote/Invited Speaker
Inspire international audiences by sharing your expertise and thought leadership in hospice and palliative care.

Delegate Participation
Attend as a delegate to access all sessions, network with professionals, and gain valuable insights from leaders in the field.

Workshops and Symposia
Lead interactive workshops or chair symposia to explore specialized topics, best practices, and innovative solutions.

Exhibition and Sponsorship
Highlight your organization’s services, products, or technologies, and build connections with global healthcare leaders.

Virtual Participation
Join from anywhere in the world with access to live-streamed sessions, networking opportunities, and digital conference resources.

Young Researcher Forum
Present your early-career research, receive mentorship, and increase your visibility within the palliative care community.

Panelist/Moderator
Guide or contribute to panel discussions, share perspectives and address pressing challenges in hospice and palliative care.

Market Analysis

Current Market Overview

The global hospice and palliative care sector is experiencing steady growth due to the increasing demand for comprehensive end-of-life care and supportive services for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care plays a vital role in improving quality of life, reducing hospitalizations, and integrating holistic care approaches that address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

As of 2024, the global hospice and palliative care market is valued at approximately $28 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8–9% over the next five years, driven by an aging population, rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, and increased awareness of the benefits of palliative care.

Key Growth Drivers

• Aging Population and Rising Chronic Illnesses
  The growing global elderly population has increased the demand for long-term care, pain management, and supportive services.
• Technological Advancements
  Tools such as telehealth platforms, remote patient monitoring, and AI-enabled care coordination are transforming the delivery of palliative care.
• Shifting Healthcare Focus
  There is a global shift toward patient-centered and holistic care models, prioritizing comfort, dignity, and family support alongside medical treatment.
• Government and Policy Support
  Increasing government initiatives, funding, and healthcare reforms are strengthening access to palliative services and expanding coverage in many regions.

Challenges

• Workforce Shortages
  A shortage of trained hospice and palliative care professionals limits the ability to meet growing demand.
• Regulatory Variations
  Differences in healthcare policies, accreditation standards, and insurance coverage across countries pose implementation challenges.
• Cost of Advanced Care Models
  Integrating advanced technologies, training, and specialized care programs can be financially burdensome for institutions.
• Burnout and Emotional Strain
  Care providers often experience high stress and emotional fatigue, leading to attrition and impacting workforce stability.
   

Future Outlook

The hospice and palliative care field is expected to evolve significantly in the coming years, driven by global healthcare priorities:      

Integration of Telehealth: Virtual consultations, digital monitoring and tele-palliative care models will expand access to patients in remote areas.        

Focus on Mental Health and Family Support: Greater emphasis will be placed on counseling, bereavement care, and psychological resilience for both patients and caregivers.    

Collaborative Global Initiatives: International partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms will promote best practices and standardize care models worldwide.

Personalized and Home-Based Care Models: Patient-centered care plans tailored to individual needs will become increasingly common, with a strong focus on home and community-based services.

Visa Process

Step-by-Step Guide to the Visa Application Process

Step 1: Conference Registration
Start by completing your registration for the 12th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care. Once registered, you will receive an official invitation letter, which is essential for your visa application. This letter confirms the purpose of your visit to France.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Visa Needed
Most international attendees will require a short-stay Schengen visa for France. This visa permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or conference attendance.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application:

• A valid passport (with at least three months’ validity beyond your intended departure date)
• Completed visa application form
• Official invitation letter from the 12th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care
• Travel itinerary (flight and accommodation details)
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, proof of income, etc.)
• Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the duration of your stay

Step 4: Schedule a Visa Appointment
Contact the French consulate or embassy in your country to schedule an appointment. It’s best to book early, as slots may fill quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
On the appointment day, bring all necessary documents. Be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit, your plans during your stay in France, and your ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return after the congress.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Approval
Visa processing typically takes 10–15 working days after the interview. To avoid delays, apply at least one month before your intended travel date.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa affixed. Double-check the details for accuracy and review any entry requirements.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Visa Process

• Apply Early: Begin the process well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
• Check Accuracy: Ensure that all documents are complete and correct.
• Travel Insurance: Confirm your insurance policy meets Schengen requirements, including coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation.

Sessions/Tracks

Track 1: Palliative Care

Palliative care is a specialized approach to medical care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. It aims to provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms while addressing the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Palliative care can be integrated alongside curative treatments and is intended to enhance comfort and well-being and minimizing suffering. It involves a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals to create personalized care plans that consider patients' unique preferences, values, and cultural backgrounds.

Track 2: Hospice

Hospice care is a specialized form of compassionate healthcare provided to individuals who are in the final stages of a terminal illness, typically with a life expectancy of six months or less. Its primary focus is on ensuring the comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being of patients during this critical phase. Hospice care aims to alleviate pain and manage symptoms while also providing psychological, emotional, and spiritual support for both patients and their families. It emphasizes creating a peaceful and supportive environment where patients can spend their remaining time with dignity and quality of life. Hospice care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who work together to address various aspects of patients' needs, aiming to create a meaningful and comfortable end-of-life experience.

Track 3: Wellness

Wellness encompasses a holistic state of optimal health and well-being that goes beyond the absence of illness. It involves actively pursuing a balanced lifestyle that nurtures physical, mental, and emotional health. This includes adopting healthy habits, such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep, to promote physical vitality. Additionally, wellness emphasizes mental and emotional resilience, encouraging practices like stress managing, mindfulness, and positive social connections. Striving for wellness involves recognizing the interconnectedness of these dimensions and making conscious choices that support overall thriving and a high quality of life.

Track 4: Compassionate Care

Compassionate care is a heartfelt approach within healthcare that places emphasis on providing empathetic and kind-hearted treatment to patients. It recognizes the emotional and psychological aspects of illness, ensuring that patients are not only physically cared for but also emotionally supported. This form of care involves actively listening to patients, understanding their concerns, and addressing their fears and worries. Compassionate care fosters a sense of trust between healthcare providers and patients, creating an environment where patients feel valued and understood. It also extends to considering the well-being of the patient's family, acknowledging their emotions and offering support during challenging times.

Track 5: Holistic Approach

A holistic approach to healthcare is a comprehensive perspective that considers the entirety of an individual's well-being – mind, body, emotions, and spirit. It acknowledges that these elements are interconnected and influence each other's health and wellness. This approach goes beyond solely treating symptoms and instead aims to address the underlying factors that contribute to a person's health status. By focusing on the broader context of an individual's life, including lifestyle, relationships, and environment, a holistic approach seeks to promote optimal health and prevent illness. This way, healthcare providers can offer personalized care that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of each patient, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

Track 6: End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care is a specialized form of healthcare provided to individuals who are approaching the final stages of their life due to a terminal illness or advanced age. The primary objective of end-of-life care is to ensure that patients experience a dignified and comfortable transition, focusing on maintaining their quality of life and managing pain and symptoms. This type of care also includes emotional and psychological support for both the patient and their family, helping them navigate the complexities and challenges of this sensitive phase. End-of-life care involves open communication about the patient's wishes and preferences, as well as facilitating discussions about advance directives and any medical decisions that need to be made. Ultimately, the goal is to honor the patient's autonomy and values while providing a compassionate and caring environment.

Track 7: Patient Autonomy

Patient autonomy refers to the right of patients to make informed decisions about their medical treatment and care, based on their personal values, preferences, and wishes. It underscores the importance of respecting individual choices.

Track 8: Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity involves being aware of and respecting the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices of patients and their families. It ensures that healthcare services are provided in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.

Track 9: Interdisciplinary Collaboration

This approach recognizes that healthcare challenges often require expertise from multiple disciplines to address complex and multifaceted issues. By combining the knowledge and skills of different healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and more, interdisciplinary collaboration enhances the quality of care and improves patient outcomes. This collaborative effort promotes a holistic understanding of patients' needs, as well as the development of integrated treatment plans that consider medical, emotional, social, and other aspects. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration requires open communication, mutual respect, and a sharing goal of providing the best possible care for patients while ensuring that no aspect of their well-being is overlooked.

Track 10: Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a cornerstone of modern healthcare that involves making clinical decisions and providing patient care based on a combination of the best available scientific evidence, healthcare professional expertise, and the preferences and values of the patient. It integrates research findings, clinical knowledge, and patient input to ensure that medical interventions are not only effective but also tailored to individual needs. EBP aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical practice, promoting the use of treatments and approaches that have been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and beneficial. By relying on a systematic and well-informed approach, EBP enhances the quality of patient care, encourages critical thinking among healthcare professionals, and leads to more successful health outcomes.

Track 11: Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations involve evaluating the moral dimensions of medical decisions, particularly in sensitive areas such as end-of-life care. Ethical discussions may revolve around respecting patient autonomy, promoting dignity, and balancing medical benefits and burdens.

Track 12: Innovations in Healthcare

Innovations in healthcare encompass new technologies, treatments, and practices that improve the delivery of medical services. In the conference, this term may relate to advancements in palliative care, hospice, and wellness services.

Track 13: Quality of Life

Quality of life refers to an individual's overall well-being and satisfaction with various aspects of their life. In the context of palliative care and hospice, enhancing the quality of life involves addressing physical comfort, emotional needs, and social engagement.

Track 14: Patient-Centered Care

Patient-centered care emphasizes tailoring healthcare services to meet the unique needs, preferences, and values of each patient. It recognizes that patients are active partners in their care decisions.

Track 15: Global Networking

Global networking involves creating connections and fostering collaborations among professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world. This collaboration helps to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collectively work toward improving palliative care, hospice and wellness on a global scale.

Past Conference Report

Hospice 2024

The 11th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care will be held on October 23-24, in London, UK. This global gathering will serve as a premier platform for sharing advancements, research, and best practices in hospice and palliative care, supported by our dedicated Organizing Committee Members and esteemed industry experts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants preparing to join us for this transformative event, aimed at enhancing knowledge, fostering collaboration and advancing compassionate care worldwide.

The conference, themed “Compassionate Care, Global Perspectives and Future Directions in Hospice and Palliative Medicine,” will bring together a diverse community of professionals, including clinicians, caregivers, researchers, policymakers, educators and students from more than 30 countries. The event will strengthen the connection between scientific research, clinical excellence, and holistic patient-centered care, offering a vibrant forum for exchanging innovative ideas and solutions.

Attendees can look forward to an enriching program featuring keynote addresses, plenary sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops. Distinguished international speakers, alongside emerging voices in the field, will share their expertise and insights, making this congress a hub of interdisciplinary dialogue and meaningful collaboration.

We sincerely thank our Organizing Committee Members, Chairs, Co-Chairs, Speakers and Editorial Board Members for their commitment, which plays a vital role in the success of this congress and ensures impactful discussions that shape the future of hospice and palliative care.

As we prepare for this remarkable event, we warmly invite participants from across the globe to join us in Paris, France, on December 17-18, 2025 and contribute to this global mission of advancing dignity, comfort and quality of life in palliative care.

For more details, please contact:

Program Manager | 12th World Congress on Hospice and Palliative Care