Training in End-of-life Care as an Elective Program for Medical Students / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Bioethics and palliative care have rarely been taught systematically in Japanese medical schools, and methods for teaching them have not been established. This report is based on a program to teach end-of-life care as part of public health education for fifth-year students at Teikyo University School of Medicine. Medical students participated in an elective program for nursing students in end-of-life care, visited terminally ill patients, and made care plans. Through this experience, students came to understand the purpose of terminal care and became aware of the importance of mental support to patients and teamwork with co-medical staff. Having the opportunity to contemplate human death before starting clinical practice helps students acquire behaviors appropriate for physicians.