Education in terminal care

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Terminal care education for doctors in Scotland was surveyed.
• Inadequate clinical instruction in physical and emotional aspects of end-of-life care was identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current state of terminal care education among Scottish doctors.
• To identify factors influencing the quality of terminal care training.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among a wide range of doctors in Scotland.
• Data collected focused on clinical instruction and educational influences in terminal care.

Main Results:

• Clinical instruction in terminal care was generally inadequate.
• Doctors with general practice traineeships reported more comprehensive training and greater enthusiasm for further education.
• Special units or hospices showed significant educational influence.

Conclusions:

• Planned vocational training schemes require re-evaluation for terminal care education.
• Continuing education in terminal care needs improvement for all doctors.