Christina Gerlach1,2, Sandra Mai1, Irene Schmidtmann3, Clara Massen1, Ulrike Reinholz1, Rita Laufenberg-Feldmann4, Martin Weber1. 1. 1Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 2. 2Community Service for Specialized Palliative Care, Hospice of Mainz, Mainz, Germany. 3. 3Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Computer Science, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 4. 4Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Undergraduate palliative care education (UPCE) became mandatory in Germany by 2013. The training in Mainz, addressing fifth-year (5Y) medical students, emphasizes transfer of knowledge and skills. In this study we assessed students' knowledge and students' self-estimation of self-confidence in palliative care (PC) according to Bandura's concept of self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to evaluate the effects of the Mainz UPCE on students' self-confidence regarding important domains in PC. METHODS: We conducted a prospective questionnaire-based cohort study with a pre-post design. 5Y medical students (n=329) were asked for self-estimation concerning knowledge, somatic aspects, spiritual and psychological aspects before and after a 7x90-minute teaching course. To assess knowledge, students completed a multiple choice examination at the end of the term. RESULTS: Overall, 156 students completed matched surveys at both points of measurement. The majority of these students felt more confident after the course than before in all aspects of PC (p<0.0001). All students passed the exam with average scores greater than 90%. CONCLUSION: A 7x90-minute interactive tutorial in PC for 5Y medical students is feasible and improves both self-efficacy and knowledge of core PC issues. Whether the effects of the course are long-lasting is the objective for further research.
BACKGROUND: Undergraduate palliative care education (UPCE) became mandatory in Germany by 2013. The training in Mainz, addressing fifth-year (5Y) medical students, emphasizes transfer of knowledge and skills. In this study we assessed students' knowledge and students' self-estimation of self-confidence in palliative care (PC) according to Bandura's concept of self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to evaluate the effects of the Mainz UPCE on students' self-confidence regarding important domains in PC. METHODS: We conducted a prospective questionnaire-based cohort study with a pre-post design. 5Y medical students (n=329) were asked for self-estimation concerning knowledge, somatic aspects, spiritual and psychological aspects before and after a 7x90-minute teaching course. To assess knowledge, students completed a multiple choice examination at the end of the term. RESULTS: Overall, 156 students completed matched surveys at both points of measurement. The majority of these students felt more confident after the course than before in all aspects of PC (p<0.0001). All students passed the exam with average scores greater than 90%. CONCLUSION: A 7x90-minute interactive tutorial in PC for 5Y medical students is feasible and improves both self-efficacy and knowledge of core PC issues. Whether the effects of the course are long-lasting is the objective for further research.
Authors: Juho T Lehto; Kati Hakkarainen; Pirkko-Liisa Kellokumpu-Lehtinen; Tiina Saarto Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2017-01-25 Impact factor: 3.234
Authors: Veronika Krautheim; Andrea Schmitz; Gesine Benze; Thomas Standl; Christine Schiessl; Wolfgang Waldeyer; Alexander Hapfelmeier; Eberhard F Kochs; Gerhard Schneider; Klaus J Wagner; Christian M Schulz Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2017-11-22 Impact factor: 3.234