The effect of teaching methods in palliative care education for undergraduate nursing and medical students : a systematic review

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Abstract</p><p><em>Background/Objectives:</em> Palliative care should be seen as a human right and should be integrated into the healthcare system. Adequate palliative care education is seen as a facilitator to develop the integration of palliative care.</p><p><em>Aims:</em> To synthesize evidence of the effect of different teaching methods used in palliative care education to students’ competences, knowledge, attitude, or skills.</p><p><em>Methods:</em> Systematic review. Four databases (CINAHL, Eric, PubMed and Scopus) were searched, identifying 16 articles.</p><p><em>Findings:</em> Simulations, lectures, films and a humanistic approach all had a positive effect on students’ attitudes to care of a dying person. Problem-based learning, simulations and elective courses increased students’ knowledge of palliative care. Game interventions in education, decreased students’ fear of death and communication with dying patients and relatives became easier.</p><p><em>Conclusions:</em> Education interventions had positive effects on students’ attitudes and knowledge. However, there is a need for rigorous research about effective palliative care interventions using randomized designs, research about the effects of blended learning.</p></div>