Nursing and Medical Students' Responses About End-of-Life Communication Reveal Educational Opportunities for Spiritual Care

J Nurs Educ. 2023 Nov;62(11):601-605. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20230906-03. Epub 2023 Nov 1.

Abstract

Background: The need for improved spiritual care education is a national directive, prompting many nursing and medical education programs to respond with spiritual curriculum. This article reports on research that tested an educational intervention to enhance nursing and medical students' understanding of end-of-life communication with families.

Method: This mixed-methods study included three reflection questions to ascertain students' attitudes about their own death and dying.

Results: Many of the students' responses were spiritual in nature. Findings revealed two important misconceptions about death and one educational strategy that can be used to help students identify potential sources of spiritual discomfort in clinical situations.

Conclusion: The findings offer a glimpse into the attitudes and beliefs of nursing and medical students that could influence how they view and deliver spiritual care, contributing to the evidence base for spiritual care education and curriculum. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(11):601-605.].

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Death
  • Humans
  • Spiritual Therapies*
  • Spirituality
  • Students, Medical*
  • Students, Nursing*