Analysis of End-of-Life Content in Selected Introductory Health Education Textbooks

Abstract

The quantity and quality of end of life (EOL) information in commonly used introductory health textbooks was studied. A total of 12 textbooks were identified and rated for the presence of helpful information in eight EOL domains. Content for each domain was rated as absent, minimally present, or helpful. Prior reviews of medical, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, and social work texts have revealed inadequate coverage of EOL care. EOL material contained in introductory health education textbooks seemed to modestly surpass that which has been reported in these comparable reviews. A more comprehensive and broader review of EOL in health education texts needs to be undertaken. For those employed in the health education profession, there needs to be some discussion about what role the health educator can play with respect to EOL care.