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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

The impact of a simulated intervention on attitudes of undergraduate nursing and medical students towards end of life care provision

Authors: Claire Lewis, Joanne Reid, Zara McLernon, Rory Ingham, Marian Traynor

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The concerns of undergraduate nursing and medical students’ regarding end of life care are well documented. Many report feelings of emotional distress, anxiety and a lack of preparation to provide care to patients at end of life and their families. Evidence suggests that increased exposure to patients who are dying and their families can improve attitudes toward end of life care. In the absence of such clinical exposure, simulation provides experiential learning with outcomes comparable to that of clinical practice. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the impact of a simulated intervention on the attitudes of undergraduate nursing and medical students towards end of life care.

Methods

A pilot quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. Attitudes towards end of life care were measured using the Frommelt Attitudes Towards Care of the Dying Part B Scale which was administered pre and post a simulated clinical scenario. 19 undergraduate nursing and medical students were recruited from one large Higher Education Institution in the United Kingdom.

Results

The results of this pilot study confirm that a simulated end of life care intervention has a positive impact on the attitudes of undergraduate nursing and medical students towards end of life care (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Active, experiential learning in the form of simulation teaching helps improve attitudes of undergraduate nursing and medical students towards end of life. In the absence of clinical exposure, simulation is a viable alternative to help prepare students for their professional role regarding end of life care.
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Metadata
Title
The impact of a simulated intervention on attitudes of undergraduate nursing and medical students towards end of life care provision
Authors
Claire Lewis
Joanne Reid
Zara McLernon
Rory Ingham
Marian Traynor
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-016-0143-2

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