EDUCATIONAL-NEEDS AMONG PEDIATRICIANS REGARDING CARING FOR TERMINALLYILL CHILDREN

Background: According to the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education and the Ambulatory Pediatrics Association, pediatricians ne ed to be instructed in caring for terminally ill children as a part of residency training. However, a systematic approach to education in en d-of-life care is lacking in most residency programs. Objectives: To a ssess pediatricians' self-perception of their coping skills regarding death and dying at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New Y ork City, NY, if they felt further support and education were needed i n this area, and which modes of instruction respondents thought would be most useful. Methods: Data based on a questionnaire distributed to pediatricians at The New York Hospital are presented. Results: The fol lowing topics are discussed: (1) existing level of education and suppo rt in caring for terminally ill patients; (2) attitudes of pediatricia ns regarding discussions of diagnosis and prognosis with dying childre n and their families; (3) pediatricians' perceived need to limit emoti onal involvement with terminally ill children; (4) attendance of funer al or memorial services of patients by pediatricians; (5) experience o f patient death as a failure; and (6) expressed need for support and i nstruction in death and dying based on level of training. Conclusion: Educational interventions and support in this area are needed.