Effect of an educational program on medical students’ conversations with patients about advance directives

Authors:
  • JCJerome M. Creenberg
    Jerome M. Creenberg
  • BDBruce H. Dobun
    Bruce H. Dobun
  • DSDavid W. Shapiro
    David W. Shapiro
  • LLLawrence S. Linn
    Lawrence S. Linn
  • NWNeil S. Wenger
    Neil S. Wenger
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Abstract
Advance directives, such as the durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC), help patients and physicians make end-of-life health care decisions. Medical education should prepare student physicians to be knowledgeable about and comfortable with discussing advance directives. The authors developed an educational module for the third-year medical school curriculum and conducted a randomized trial to evaluate in students its effect on various outcome measures regarding the DPAHC. Over a six-week period, students who received written material about the DPAHC and a two-hour seminar significantly increased knowledge about and reported increased skill, comfort, and experience with the DPAHC.