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

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 educa-tional 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 mean total score of the FACTOD-B increases statistically significantly (M=120.33±9.4 vs M=122.08±9.6; p=0.018), suggesting a possible better awareness of students towards the care of dying patients and their families. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: knowledge, awareness, relationship with death and a helping relationship. Conclusions: This study highlighted how a short training experience, consisting of a combination of educational methods, may have the potential to positively sensitize nursing students’ attitudes towards end-of-life care.