Using standardized patients to teach end-of-life skills to clinical clerks.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines the use of standardized patients to teach end-of-life skills to clinical clerks. METHODS: Forty-four third-year clinical medical students participated in a half-day standardized patient workshop that was precepted by faculty members. The students were asked to report on their perceived abilities prior to the workshop and these were compared with post-workshop responses. The students were also asked to provide an overall evaluation of the standardized patient workshop as a learning experience. RESULTS: The students uniformly found the workshop to be realistic, found the faculty facilitators to be helpful, and found the workshop effective in enhancing their end-of-life skills. Following participation in the workshop, students reported significant improvements in their perceived abilities to deal with pain, to appreciate cultural differences in the dying process, to deliver bad news, and to understand the legalities of do-not-resuscitate orders. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized patient workshops are useful for teaching end-of-life skills.