Impact of a 2 h multi-approach-palliative care class on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in 5th year medical students. Issue Volume 2:Issue (2012)Supplement 1 (1st March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaturapatporn, Darin
• Is Part Of: BMJ supportive & palliative care. Volume 2:Issue (2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A110
• Page End: A110
• Publication Date: 2012-03-01
• Subjects: Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000196.325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-435X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Medical students have traditionally received no education in palliative care. However, in 2002, as part of a revised medical curriculum, Year 5 undergraduates at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand participated in a 2 h class in palliative care. Methods: Thirty-five medical students (100%) completed the pre and post self-evaluation form and written exam. Stuart Maxwell Analysis was performed to test statistic significance of the improvement. Results: After the 2 h class, all students rate that the highest scale for their interest in palliative care, compared to 62.5% prior to the class. For knowledge, the score in written exam was increased by 50%. Attitudes toward palliative care tended to be improved by increasing the number of people who rated 'highest' for attitude domain from 5.71% to 74.29%. As for the confidence to practice in their real life, there was a shift from 92% who rated their confidence up to average to be 92% who had high and highest confidence after the class. Conclusion: This 2 h lecture has significantly raised 5th year medical students' understanding of Palliative Medicine. A short, but well-structured palliative care class can be effective in increasing students' knowledge, attitudes and confidence in palliative medicine.