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

Abstract

Background: Palliative care should be seen as a human right and integrated into the healthcare system. Adequate palliative care education is seen as a facilitator to develop the integration of palliative care. Aims: To synthesise evidence of the effect of different teaching methods used in palliative care education to students’ competences, knowledge, attitude or skills. Methods: Systematic review. A total of four databases (CINAHL, Eric, PubMed and Scopus) were searched, after which, 16 articles were identified. Findings: Simulations, lectures, films and a humanistic approach all had a positive effect on students’ attitudes to care for 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, while communication with dying patients and relatives became easier. Conclusions: Education interventions had positive effects on students’ attitudes and knowledge. However, there is a need for future research into effective palliative care interventions using randomised designs and research about the effects of blended learning.