End-of-life and palliative care issues in medical and nursing schools in the United States

Death Stud. 2007 Sep;31(8):713-26. doi: 10.1080/07481180701490602.

Abstract

Medical and nursing schools in the United States have traditionally had a limited emphasis on end-of-life care. The present study is a comparison of these 2 professional programs' current offerings on death education. Data were gathered via a mailed survey from the 122 medical schools in 2005 and the 580 baccalaureate nursing programs in 2006. Return rates of 81% and 71%, respectively, were received. All medical schools and 99% of nursing schools reported offering something on death and dying, with over 90 % of students in these programs participating. The average number of hours offered in both professional programs is less than 15. Over 87% in both programs have offerings in palliative care. Whereas nursing programs rely almost solely on nurses for end-of-life course provisions, medical schools are more interdisciplinary by faculty. End-of-life issues are presented in both medical and nursing curricula, though on a limited basis. This emphasis exposes students to the issues, though not in an in-depth way.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Advance Directives
  • Curriculum*
  • Death
  • Education, Medical* / methods
  • Education, Nursing* / methods
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Terminal Care*
  • United States