Medical students' experiences and perception of support following the death of a patient in the UK, and while overseas during their elective period.

AIMS: To investigate medical students' experiences and perception of support following a patient's death, contrasting their experiences in the UK, and while overseas during their elective period.
METHODS: An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to all final year medical students at one UK medical school in November 2009.
RESULTS: 220 students were contacted, 60% responded. 72% (94) of medical students had been involved in end-of-life care at some point during their course; students on elective experiencing patient death across all ages. Some students saw many patients dying during their elective period. Students had mixed emotions following a patient's death. In the UK, students reported feeling shocked, upset and sad. When overseas, many students were angry or frustrated, and many reported feelings of injustice. Following a death, students found talking to people beneficial, but when overseas they turned to friends and family using email and Facebook, rather than talking to local doctors and nurses. Only 13% (16) of medical students thought their medical training had prepared them sufficiently to deal with death. Of those who did feel prepared some said they had gained this knowledge through working as a healthcare assistant.
CONCLUSIONS: Students feel ill prepared for experiencing the death of a patient. Even though they may have 'medical knowledge' they are still lacking in emotional support and are often inadequately supported around the time of a patient's death. Medical schools should consider their curricula so that students are aware of the possible experiences and emotions which they may face when involved with the death of a patient, and students should be given advice on whom to turn to for support.