Using a trade-show format to educate the public about death and survey public knowledge and needs about issues surrounding death and dying

A public education event on death and dying, based on the design of a comme rcial trade show, was held to raise the profile of palliative care in the c ommunity. Attendees answered a questionnaire designed to assess their knowl edge on issues about dying and their anticipated needs if they were to face a terminal illness. Healthcare providers knew significantly more about dyi ng; but there were persistent misconceptions that morphine shortens life, c auses addiction, and develops tolerance. The questionnaire revealed confusi on about treatment choices available to patients and euthanasia. The antici pated needs questions revealed that increasing age leads to less concern ab out physical needs, and independence/control. Further public forums on deat h and dying will be held with attention to education on the identified issu es and inclusion of wider education and cultural groups. (C) U.S. Cancer Pa in Relief Committee, 2001.