• J M Kaye and G Loscalzo.
• Department of Family Medicine, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA.
• J Cancer Educ. 1998 Jan 1; 13 (1): 52-7.

BackgroundThis study examines the long-term impact of a medical-school death education course on death-related anxiety and attitudes.MethodsA four-year longitudinal, controlled study design was used. Ninety-nine course participants and 92 controls were initially evaluated using the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale and a semantic differential technique measuring attitudes toward the dying patient and his or her family. The evaluation was repeated at the end of the course and yearly thereafter.ResultsAttitudes towards "treating the dying patient" and "dealing with the dying patient's family" were improved as a result of the course. The effects were sustained throughout medical school, with significant differences between the groups at the end of the course (p < 0.001) and for third-year students (p < or = 0.002). Regarding fear of death, analyses showed no significant group-time interaction at any test period (p > or = 0.13).ConclusionsPreclinical education has an enduring effect on attitudes involving end-of-life care.

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