title: Perceptions of a good death among German medical students.
abstract: The purpose of our study was to examine the perceptions of a good death among medical students, who are future care providers. The authors identified 9 domains that contribute to a good death according to first- and fifth-year medical students (N=432). From their perspective, being free from pain and physical distress is only 1 important component of a good death, and other elements such as psychosocial issues should also be taken into account. A majority of medical students considers psychosocial well-being as a highly relevant aspect of patients' conditions. The results of this study could help to develop concepts for better care and more empathy, which are needed to ensure a good death for all patients.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Palliative Medicine , University Medical Center Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany.
authors.forename: Cornelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meffert
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Stößel
authors.forename: Mirjam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Körner
authors.forename: Gerhild
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003643:Death; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D004645:Empathy; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*