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Poster Numbers 294 – 318 – Ethics, education & communication: Poster No: 294
Impact of a 2 h multi-approach-palliative care class on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in 5th year medical students
  1. Darin Jaturapatporn
  1. Watcharaporn Taburee, Sasivimol Ratanasiri Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Background Medical students have traditionally received no education in palliative care. However, in 2002, as part of a revised medical curriculum, Year 5 undergraduates at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand participated in a 2 h class in palliative care.

Methods Thirty-five medical students (100%) completed the pre and post self-evaluation form and written exam. Stuart Maxwell Analysis was performed to test statistic significance of the improvement.

Results After the 2 h class, all students rate that the highest scale for their interest in palliative care, compared to 62.5% prior to the class. For knowledge, the score in written exam was increased by 50%. Attitudes toward palliative care tended to be improved by increasing the number of people who rated ‘highest’ for attitude domain from 5.71% to 74.29%. As for the confidence to practice in their real life, there was a shift from 92% who rated their confidence up to average to be 92% who had high and highest confidence after the class.

Conclusion This 2 h lecture has significantly raised 5th year medical students' understanding of Palliative Medicine. A short, but well-structured palliative care class can be effective in increasing students' knowledge, attitudes and confidence in palliative medicine.

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