J M Kaye1, G Loscalzo. 1. Department of Family Medicine, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examines the long-term impact of a medical-school death education course on death-related anxiety and attitudes. METHODS: A four-year longitudinal, controlled study design was used. Ninety-nine course participants and 92 controls were initially evaluated using the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale and a semantic differential technique measuring attitudes toward the dying patient and his or her family. The evaluation was repeated at the end of the course and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Attitudes towards "treating the dying patient" and "dealing with the dying patient's family" were improved as a result of the course. The effects were sustained throughout medical school, with significant differences between the groups at the end of the course (p < 0.001) and for third-year students (p < or = 0.002). Regarding fear of death, analyses showed no significant group-time interaction at any test period (p > or = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical education has an enduring effect on attitudes involving end-of-life care.
BACKGROUND: This study examines the long-term impact of a medical-school death education course on death-related anxiety and attitudes. METHODS: A four-year longitudinal, controlled study design was used. Ninety-nine course participants and 92 controls were initially evaluated using the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale and a semantic differential technique measuring attitudes toward the dying patient and his or her family. The evaluation was repeated at the end of the course and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Attitudes towards "treating the dying patient" and "dealing with the dying patient's family" were improved as a result of the course. The effects were sustained throughout medical school, with significant differences between the groups at the end of the course (p < 0.001) and for third-year students (p < or = 0.002). Regarding fear of death, analyses showed no significant group-time interaction at any test period (p > or = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical education has an enduring effect on attitudes involving end-of-life care.
Authors: Marcin Bury; Hanna Rozenek; Artur Kamiński; Jarosław Czerwiński; Stanisław Wójtowicz; Jolanta Banasiewicz; Krzysztof Owczarek Journal: Cell Tissue Bank Date: 2019-09-27 Impact factor: 1.522