Journal of palliative medicine
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Spirituality is a major domain of palliative medicine training. No data exist on how it is taught, nor is there a consensus about the content or methods of such education. We surveyed palliative medicine fellowship directors in the United States to learn how they teach spirituality, who does the teaching, and what they teach. ⋯ Palliative medicine fellowship programs generally agree on the content of training on spirituality, but have not incorporated robust educational and evaluation methods to ensure that fellows have obtained the desired attitudes, knowledge, and skills to meet the Initial Voluntary Program Standards for Residency Education in Palliative Medicine of the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Based on the survey data and results from the literature review, broad recommendations are made to enhance spirituality education.
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Understanding what aspects of the dying process motivate terminally ill individuals to consider hastening their death, can lead to improving end-of-life care. ⋯ Awareness of events common to the dying process, the potential physical and psychosocial suffering that may arise at these events, and the end-of-life care practices associated with reducing that suffering can lead to health care professionals being able to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to end-of-life care.