"It's Not that Easy"--Medical Students' Fears and Barriers in End-of-Life Communication

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Palliative Care Communication
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial in palliative care (PC).
• Medical students often lack adequate training in end-of-life (EOL) communication.
• Existing training methods may not fully prepare students for sensitive EOL discussions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and enhance communication education for medical students in PC using simulated patients (SP).
• To explore student evaluations of SP for EOL communication training.
• To identify student fears and barriers encountered during EOL communication training.

Main Methods:

• A pilot course using SP for EOL communication training was implemented.
• Qualitative content analysis of transcribed course recordings.
• Pre- and post-course questionnaires assessed student motivation, preparation, and perceived learning.

Main Results:

• Students reported feeling unprepared and insecure discussing EOL issues.
• The SP communication scenarios were perceived as authentic and emotionally impactful.
• The course was highly appreciated, with 10/12 students confirming significant learning.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for improved communication training for medical students in PC.
• Standardized SP training offers a viable alternative to bedside teaching for authentic learning.
• Addressing student fears and blocking behaviors is essential for effective EOL communication training.