Medical training in palliative care at the Hannover Medical School: development of the interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral education in the cross-sectional subject Q13 (WEISE-Q13)

Background: The implementation of the cross-sectional subject of palliative care (Q13) at medical faculties in Germany is heterogeneous. In faculties without a chair for palliative medicine, other solutions are needed.

Objective: This study describes the development and implementation process of the new educational concept in Q13 at the Hannover Medical School and its evaluation by medical students and lecturers.

Methods: The new educational concept was developed in 2017/18 following the six-step approach of curriculum development by Kern, and was implemented and tested in the academic year 2018/19. Evaluation was assessed in two steps, both in qualitative and quantitative terms (mixed methods): an anonymous written evaluation by students with the option of free text answers and feedback discussions with lecturers.

Results: Students and lecturers welcomed the new educational concept in equal measures. Students thought that education in Q13 stimulates reflection on the individual attitude towards the issues of death and dying and prepares them for encounters with terminally ill and dying people. The case-based learning units in particular led to a consolidation of theoretical knowledge (i.e. pain management) with adequate patient orientation. Teachers positively highlighted the organization and the educational material. Content structuring was considered to be particularly helpful.

Conclusions: With the new teaching concept, medical students feel well prepared for the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients. The combination of different learning formats with an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral focus promotes education with a practical orientation.