Learning to care for dying patients: a controlled longitudinal study of a death education course.

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.