Objectives: To summarize the challenges of teaching, practicing, and learning palliative care communication and offer resources for improving skills and educating others.
Data sources: A theoretically grounded, evidence-based communication curriculum called COMFORT (Communication, Orientation and opportunity, Mindful presence, Family, Openings, Relating, and Team).
Conclusion: The COMFORT curriculum is available for free through a Web site, a smartphone/iPad application, and online for continuing education units.
Implications for nursing practice: The COMFORT curriculum provides resources to support the expansion and inclusion of palliative care practice not only in oncology, but also in a wide variety of disease contexts.
Keywords: Palliative care; communication; communication education; nurse communication.