Education about death and dying at Otago University Medical School.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain if medical training provides adequate preparation for students regarding; (a) coming to terms with death and dying, (b) communication pertaining to terminal illness and (c) symptom control of the dying.


METHODS
A questionnaire was distributed to all undergraduates in years 3 to 6, of the Otago Medical School, including all three clinical schools. The students were asked to rate their perceived abilities in given clinical situations.


RESULTS
There were 392 replies giving ratings on a scale from 0, for least confidence in ability, to 5, for most confidence in ability. A mean rating of 2.45 was given for preparation prior to cadaver dissection. A mean rating of 2.31 was given overall for communication skills pertaining to terminal illness with an average increase of only 0.49 between years 3 and 6, but 1.89 in the area of symptom control, with an average increase of 2.32 between years 3 and 6. Many students stated that extra teaching was required, primarily in areas relating to communication.


CONCLUSIONS
A challenge exists for medical teachers to increase curriculum content in this area and suggestions are given.
Charlton
R
R
Otago University, Dunedin.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001293:Attitude to Death; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D006117:Grief; D009520:New Zealand; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology