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Training our future physicians: a hospice rotation for medical students
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|January 1, 1992
Summary
A 16-hour hospice rotation significantly improved medical students' attitudes toward end-of-life care and palliative care. This clinical experience positively impacted their beliefs and overall perception of hospice services.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Palliative Care
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Medical students require training in end-of-life care.
- Family practice clerkships offer opportunities to integrate hospice education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a mandatory hospice clinical rotation on medical students' attitudes and beliefs regarding the care of dying patients.
Main Methods:
- A 16-hour hospice clinical rotation was implemented.
- Pre- and post-rotation questionnaires using a Likert scale measured student changes.
- Paired t-tests analyzed data from 65 medical students.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant changes were observed in 15 out of 23 questionnaire items.
- Student attitudes towards hospice care and the rotation itself showed positive shifts.
- Beliefs concerning palliative care were positively influenced by the rotation.
Conclusions:
- Hospice rotations can effectively enhance medical students' understanding of physical and psychosocial aspects of end-of-life care.
- Qualified hospice programs should actively participate in medical student education.
- Integrating hospice experience improves preparedness for caring for dying patients.
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