Improving quality of end-of-life education: results of a composite educational intervention on nursing students’ attitudes toward care of dying patients

Paola Ferri; Sara Alberti; Rosaria Di Lorenzo; Dalia Caleffi; Ivan Rubbi; Giovanna Artioli; Sergio Rovesti; Ilaria Saguatti

doi:10.23750/abm.v95i6.16238

Improving quality of end-of-life education: results of a composite educational intervention on nursing students’ attitudes toward care of dying patients

Authors

Paola Ferri Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7761-7226
Sara Alberti Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3732-6309
Rosaria Di Lorenzo Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, AUSL of Modena, Modena, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9497-6837
Dalia Caleffi Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8696-5447
Ivan Rubbi School of Nursing, University of Bologna, Faenza, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6067-9578
Giovanna Artioli Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Sergio Rovesti Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Ilaria Saguatti Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v95i6.16238

Keywords:

end-of-life education, attitudes toward care of dying patients, nursing students, simulation, palliative care, nursing education

Abstract

Background and aim: The literature highlights a widespread negative attitude of nurses toward end of life that is often expressed with the fear of facing death or talking about it, and with the tendency to avoid persons under care and their caregivers. This situation seems to take root already in the training period. The aim of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the effects of a composite end-of-life educational intervention (EoLei) at improving nursing students' attitude toward care of dying patients.

Methods: 109 nursing students completed a 3-day EoLei, consisting of two multi-professional seminars, with a training caregiver present, followed by viewing a film with an associated activity of reflection and lastly a simulation activity in small groups. Data were collected before and after the EoLei, using the Italian version of Frommelt Attitudes Toward the Care of Dying Form B (FACTOD-B) scale. Two open questions were also administered at the end of the educational activity to collect students' feedback.

Results: After the educational program, the increase in the FACTOD-B total score of our sample indicate a more positive attitude towards providing care for patients who are dying and their families as a result of the EoLei (M=120.33 (SD 9.4) vs M=122.08 (SD 9.6), P=0.018). Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: knowledge, awareness, relationship with death and a helping relationship.

Conclusions: This project has highlighted how a short training experience composed of a combination of educational methods positively changed the attitude of nursing students to end-of-life care.

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