How successful is teaching on terminal care?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Palliative Care
• End-of-Life Care

Background:

• The Dundee University Medical School is evaluating its terminal care teaching program over four years (1985-1989).
• A pilot evaluation was conducted during the 1984-1985 academic year with fourth-year medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of current terminal care teaching methods.
• To identify areas of strength and weakness in student knowledge and attitudes regarding end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• A pilot evaluation involving fourth-year medical students.
• Assessment of factual information recall, specifically concerning pain relief.
• Student ratings of satisfaction and worry associated with various medical management areas.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated acceptable recall of factual information presented earlier in their curriculum.
• Performance on questions related to pain relief was notably weak.
• Students perceived the care of terminally ill patients and communication with bereaved families as highly worrying and low in satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The pilot study findings challenge educators to critically examine the cost-effectiveness of their terminal care teaching strategies.
• Further evaluation is needed to refine curriculum and improve student preparedness in end-of-life care.
• Addressing student anxiety and improving pain management education are key areas for improvement.