Attitudes of Dental and Medical Students toward Death and Dying

1980 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Sundin ◽  
W. George Gaines ◽  
WM. Bruce Knapp

This study explored the attitudes of dental students toward death and dying and compared them with attitudes held by medical students. The population included regularly enrolled students pursuing the M.D., or D.D.S., degree at the L.S.U. Schools of Medicine and Dentistry. Patterns which emerged from the data analysis suggested that attitude toward death is a factor influencing choice between dental school and medical school would, at best, be latent. Additionally, there is an association between class membership which suggests that attitudes of dental and medical students toward death may be differentially affected by their professional experiences.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3300-3300
Author(s):  
Virginia C. Broudy ◽  
Scot G. Hickman

An Association of American Medical Colleges position paper calls for a 30% increase in medical school enrollment by 2015. New faculty effort certification reporting requirements for NIH-supported investigators and increasing clinical productivity expectations at academic medical centers challenge the tradition of faculty volunteerism for medical student teaching. To better define the structure, content, and financial support of second year medical school hematology courses nationwide, in 2001/2002 we mailed a survey to the hematology course directors at 85 of the 125 accredited US medical schools. The 58 course directors who returned the survey represent all regions of the US, and both public and private medical schools. Ten of the hematology course directors subspecialized in areas other than adult or pediatric hematology or hematology/oncology. Median class size was 150 students (range 40–200), and some courses included a substantial proportion (up to 33%) of students other than medical students (dental students, graduate students, PA students). Median course hours was 33 hours (range 8 to 74, an almost 10-fold difference). Approximately 50% of the total teaching time was devoted to lecture (range 5% to 100%), but a wide variety of additional teaching approaches were also employed, including small group discussions, problem-based learning, and web-based teaching (used by 62% of course directors). The median number of faculty responsible for teaching the second year hematology course was 12 (range 1–36). The hematology course directors identified a number of obstacles, including difficulty recruiting teachers (experienced by 45% of course directors), the lack of well-defined content, and the very modest budget (less than $1500 for most courses). Only 3 of the course directors indicated that they received salary support for this role. The findings of this survey suggest that a national effort to define learning objectives for the hematology courses and to share teaching materials among medical schools is warranted. Of note, it was estimated in 1997 that the total educational costs for one medical student are $72,000–92,000 per year, and that the majority of these costs are instructional. In 2003 median medical school tuition nationally was $16,322 (for a state resident attending a public school) and $34,550 (private school tuition). The present results show that few of these funds are directed to support of faculty time to teach the hematology course, and compel the identification of a funding stream to pay faculty for teaching medical student required courses.


1987 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
June C. Penney

A medical school curriculum in “Death and Dying” evolved through a number of catalysts. A study demonstrated medical students’ reactions to human dissection and their responses led to a design for an “Orientation to Human Dissection.” These events, other simultaneous catalysts, and the resulting curriculum in Death and Dying are described. Evaluation of the course, types of elective studies, and a memorial service are discussed.


2020 ◽  
pp. 082585972092343
Author(s):  
Maria Luiza Galoro Corradi ◽  
Etienne Duim ◽  
Cibele Isaac Saad Rodrigues

Purpose: To evaluate the perception of attending physicians, medical residents, and undergraduate medical students about death and dying, the end of life (EoL), and palliative care (PC) during training and clinical practice, highlighting knowledge gaps, and the changes needed in medical school curricula. Method: Cross-sectional study of 12 attending physicians, residents, and undergraduate medical students randomly selected from a single teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, 2018. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcripts were coded in depth, and categorizing analysis was carried out. Results: Three topical categories were recognized: Negative feelings about death and the EoL, importance of PC, and gaps in curricular structure hindering preparedness for PC and EoL communication. Besides differing perspectives depending on their years of experience, all participants strongly endorsed that the current medical school curriculum does not train and support physicians to handle EoL and PC. Conclusions: Medical education plays a fundamental role in the development of knowledge and skills on death, dying, and PC. Such practices should extend throughout the course and be continuously improved after graduates move to clinical practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-220
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Aqsa Iftikhar ◽  
Zahra Malik ◽  
Kapil Kiran Aedma ◽  
Hafsa Meraj ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesThis study has been designed to elucidate the prevalence of stress, depression and poor sleep among medical students in a Pakistani medical school. There is a paucity of data on social support among medical students in Pakistan; an important predictor of depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study was also aimed to demonstrate the direct and indirect impact of social support in alleviating depressive symptoms in the study sample.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, where a total of 400 students at a medical school were approached between 1st January to 31st March 2018 to participate in the study. The study sample comprised of medical and dental students enrolled at a privately financed Pakistani medical and dental school. The participants responded to a self-administered survey comprising of five parts: a) demographics, b) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), c) Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), d) Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and e) Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4). All data were analysed using SPSS v. 20. Linear regression analysis was used to reveal the predictors of depression.ResultsIn total, 353 medical students participated, yielding a response rate of 88.25%. Overall, poor sleep quality was experienced by 205 (58.1%) students. Mild to severe depression was reported by 83% of the respondents: mild depression by 104 (29.5%), moderate depression by 104 (29.5%), moderately severe depression by 54 (15.3%) and severe depression by 31 (8.8%) respondents. Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, daytime dysfunction and stress levels were significantly associated with depression symptoms. Social support was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the regression model (Beta = -0.08, P < 0.09); however, it acted as a significant mediator, reducing the strength of the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality and stress.ConclusionsAccording to our study, a large proportion of healthcare (medical and dental) students were found to be suffering from mild to moderate depression and experienced poor sleep quality. It is concluded that social support is an important variable in predicting depressive symptomatology by ameliorating the effects of poor sleep quality and high stress levels.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Mascaro ◽  
Sean Kelley ◽  
Alana Darcher ◽  
Lobsang Negi ◽  
Carol Worthman ◽  
...  

Increasing data suggest that for medical school students the stress of academic and psychologicaldemands can impair social emotions that are a core aspect of compassion and ultimately physiciancompetence. Few interventions have proven successful for enhancing physician compassion inways that persist in the face of suffering and that enable sustained caretaker well-being. To addressthis issue, the current study was designed to (1) investigate the feasibility of cognitively-basedcompassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students, and (2) test whether CBCT decreasesdepression, enhances compassion, and improves daily functioning in medical students. Comparedto the wait-list group, students randomized to CBCT reported increased compassion, and decreasedloneliness and depression. Changes in compassion were most robust in individuals reporting highlevels of depression at baseline, suggesting that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breakingthe link between personal suffering and a concomitant drop in compassion


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711293
Author(s):  
Sarah Garnett ◽  
Hajira Dambha-Miller ◽  
Beth Stuart

BackgroundEmpathy is a key health care concept and refers to care that incorporates understanding of patient perspective’s, shared decision making, and consideration of the broader context in which illness is experience. Evidence suggests experiences of doctor empathy correlate with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. It has also been linked to job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing for doctors. To date, there is a paucity of evidence on empathy levels among medical students. This is critical to understand given that it is a key point at which perceptions and practices of empathy in the longer term might be formed.AimTo quantify the level of empathy among UK undergraduate medical studentsMethodAn anonymised cross-sectional online survey was distributed to medical students across three universities. The previously validated Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to quantify empathy. The survey also collected information on age, sex, ethnicity, year of medical school training and included a free-text box for ‘any other comments’.ResultsData analysis is currently underway with high response rates. Mean empathy scores by age, sex, year of study and ethnic group are presented. A correlation analysis will examine associations between age and year of study, and mean empathy sores.ConclusionThese data will help to provide a better understanding of empathy levels to inform the provision of future empathy training and medical school curriculum design. Given previous evidence linking experiences of empathy to better health outcomes, the findings may also be significant to future patient care


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697229
Author(s):  
Matthew Webb ◽  
Sarah Thirlwall ◽  
Bob McKinley

BackgroundInformed consent is required for active participation of patients in medical education. At Keele Medical School, we require practices to advertise that they teach undergraduate students and to obtain appropriate patient consent at various stages of the patient journey.AimThe study aimed to explore patients’ experience of consent to involvement in undergraduate medical education in general practice.MethodDuring the final year at Keele University Medical School, students undertake a patient satisfaction survey. A questionnaire was attached to the reverse of this survey during the academic year 2016–2017. The questionnaire explored the stage of the patient journey consent was obtained, whether they were offered an alternative appointment and how comfortable they were with medical students being involved in their care.ResultsA total of 489 questionnaires were completed covering 62 GP practices. 97% of patients reported that consent was obtained at least once during their encounter and the majority reported that this occurred at booking. 98% of patients were comfortable or very comfortable with a medical student leading their consultation. However, 28% of those surveyed stated that they were either not given the option of not seeing the student or there was no other alternative appointment available.ConclusionThe results indicate that in the vast majority of cases patient consent is obtained at least once during their attendance. Patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with medical students’ involvement in their care. Further work is required to evaluate the role of the data as a marker of individual practice teaching quality.


1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gelvane Tostes ◽  
Fernanda Paiva de Campos ◽  
Luís Gustavo Rodrigues Pereira

Objetivo: Traçar o perfil e estabelecer a prevalência do consumo álcool e/ou outras drogas entre os estudantes de uma faculdade de medicina do Sul de Minas Gerais. Materiais e Métodos: Os dados foram coletados com 419 alunos matriculados na faculdade no ano de 2013, a partir de questionário anônimo, o qual apresentou variáveis de idade, sexo, série do curso, uso de bebida alcoólica e drogas, frequência no ultimo mês (Julho/2013). Resultados: Constatou-se que 99% dos estudantes entrevistados já fizeram uso de bebida alcoólica ao menos uma vez na vida, sendo que 73% relataram que o ingresso na faculdade aumentou o consumo. Observou-se que o consumo é maior entre o sexo masculino. Quanto ao uso de outras drogas, 43,6% dos entrevistados relataram que fizeram uso ao menos uma vez na vida. No último mês (Julho/2013), 87,6% consumiram álcool, 23,4% tabaco, 13,4% maconha, 6,9% estimulantes, 6,2% tranquilizantes, 5,5% inalantes, 4,8% alucinógenos, 1,7% cocaína /crack, 0,2%   opiácios.  Conclusão: Os dados mostram que estudantes de medicina desta faculdade tendem a consumir drogas até duas vezes mais do que população em geral, A droga mais usada continua sendo o álcool, mas há consumo expressivo de outras substâncias como a maconha e cocaína.Palavras-chave: Álcool, Drogas, Estudantes de Medicina.ABSTRACTObjective: To describe a profile and establish the prevalence of alcohol consumption and / or other drugs among students of a medical school in southern Minas Gerais. Materials and Methods: Data were collected with 419 students enrolled in college in 2013 , from anonymous questionnaire , which presented variables of age, sex, year in the course, use of alcohol and drugs, frequency in the last month (July / 2013). Results:  99% of surveyed students were found to have already made use of alcohol at least once in their lifetime, and 73% reported entrance in college increased consumption. Higher consumption was observed among males. Regarding use of other drugs, 43.6% of the respondents have used them at least once in their life. In the previous month (July / 2013), 87.6% used alcohol, 23.4% tobacco, 13.4% marijuana, 6.9% stimulants, 6.2% tranquilizers, 5.5% inhalants 4.8% hallucinogens, 1.7% crack / cocaine, 0.2% opiates. Conclusion: The data show that college students tend to consume drugs up twice more often than the general population. The most widely used drug remains being alcohol, but there is significant use of other substances such as marijuana and cocaine.Keywords: Alcohol, Drugs, Medical Students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kligler ◽  
Genevieve Pinto Zipp ◽  
Carmela Rocchetti ◽  
Michelle Secic ◽  
Erin Speiser Ihde

Abstract Background Inclusion of environmental health (EH) in medical education serves as a catalyst for preparing future physicians to address issues as complex as climate change and health, water pollution and lead contamination. However, previous research has found EH education to be largely lacking in U.S. medical education, putting future physicians at risk of not having the expertise to address patients’ environmental illnesses, nor speak to prevention. Methods Environmental health (EH) knowledge and skills were incorporated into the first-year medical school curriculum at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (Nutley, New Jersey), via a two-hour interactive large group learning module with follow up activities. Students completed the Environmental Health in Med School (EHMS) survey before and after the year 1 EH module. This survey evaluates medical students’ attitudes, awareness and professionalism regarding environmental health. In year 2, students completed the Environmental Health Survey II, which measured students’ perceptions of preparedness to discuss EH with future patients. The research team created both surveys based upon learning objectives that broadly aligned with the Institute of Medicine six competency-based environmental health learning objectives. Results 36 year 1 students completed both the pre and post EHMS surveys. McNemar’s test was used for paired comparisons. Results identified no statistically significant changes from pre to post surveys, identifying a dramatic ceiling. When comparing year 2, EHS II pre-survey (n = 84) and post-survey (n = 79) responses, a statistically significant positive change in students’ self-reported sense of preparedness to discuss environmental health with their patients following the curriculum intervention was noted. Conclusions Our conclusion for the EHMS in Year 1 was that the current generation of medical students at this school is already extremely aware of and concerned about the impact of environmental issues on health. Through the EHS II in Year 2, we found that the six-week environmental health module combining didactic and experiential elements significantly increased medical students’ self-reported sense of preparedness to discuss environmental health issues, including climate change, with their patients.


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