Interdisciplinary education on discussing end-of-life care

The interactions and observations of residents speaking with patients and family members about end-of-life decisions indicated a need for more empathy. Nursing and medical students have been called to learn and work together so they can work more effectively. A review of the evidence on interdisciplinary education of residents concerning end-of-life care and communicating with patients and their family members was the inspiration for this study. This article applies evidence related to interdisciplinary education in critical care settings. This pilot project was a collaboration of medical education between a critical care service in a public hospital and baccalaureate nursing students assisting family members in making end-of-life decisions. As nursing students, we were able to effectively present content on end-of-life decision making to medical residents.