Background: The need for undergraduate medical
education in palliative care has been highlighted by several key organizations.
Medical students in University College Cork
(UCC) in years 1,2 and 3 select optional 5 credit special study modules (SSM).
A module entitled Fundamentals of Palliative Medicine was designed and offered
to 3rd year medical students.
The overall objective of the module was that students would explore the fundamental knowledge, attitude and skills
required in the area of palliative medicine.
Aim: To assess impact of the SSM in terms of qualitative and
quantitative measures, to identify
areas of confusion and to improve the module for future years.
Methods: Students completed the “Minute Paper” a
classroom assessment technique used in third level education anonymously at the
penultimate session. They were asked to identify areas they understood well and
issues they still found unclear or confusing. Feedback was provided to students
at the last session
Results: Twenty-four students chose the module. This
included 19 direct entry and 5 graduate entry students. Eighteen students completed
the minute paper. Areas reported as being well-understood included illness in
the context of the individual patient and their family, spiritual suffering/total
pain, the role of the doctor, the interdisciplinary team and teamwork, and
breaking bad news. Unclear points included practical issues such as how to fit
a palliative care approach into a busy practice and how to train in palliative
medicine. Several students commented that the module should be core curriculum.
Conclusions: The module was a popular choice and well
recieved by students.