Using standardized patients to teach end-of-life skills to clinical clerks

Background. This study examines the use of standardized patients to teach e nd-of-life skills to clinical clerks. Methods. Forty-four third-year clinic al medical students participated in a half,day standardized patient worksho p that was precepted by faculty members. The students were asked to report on their perceived abilities prior to the workshop and these were compared with post-workshop responses. The students were also asked to provide an ov erall evaluation of the standardized patient workshop as a learning experie nce. Results. The students uniformly found the workshop to be realistic, fo und the faculty facilitators to be helpful, and found the workshop effectiv e in enhancing their end-of-life skills. Following participation in the wor kshop, students reported significant improvements in their perceived abilit ies to deal with pain, to appreciate cultural differences in the dying proc ess, to deliver bad news, and to understand the legalities of do-not-resusc itate orders. Conclusions. Standardized patient workshops are useful for te aching end-of-life skills.