Introduction of Virtual Patient Software to Enhance Physician Assistant Student Knowledge in Palliative Medicine.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to infuse palliative medicine and end-of-life care creatively into physician assistant (PA) education.

Methods: Nine second-year PA students volunteered to participate in this quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest pilot study. Students initially completed an anonymous survey evaluating seven domains of knowledge in palliative medicine coupled with a self-assessment in competence.

Health Professions Students' Attitudes Toward Death and Caring for Dying Patients.

Purpose: To assess the attitudes of students pursuing health professions about death and caring for the terminally ill.

Methods: Students currently enrolled in a health profession academic program were invited to complete the Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying Scale, Form B.

Results: Participants who had been exposed to material or had taken a previous course on death and dying obtained higher scores than participants who had no previous education.

Evaluation of physician assistant student knowledge and perception of competence in palliative symptom management.

Purpose: To assess the impact of the current curriculum for physician assistant (PA) students in palliative medicine and end-of-life care.

Methods: PA students were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey evaluating seven domains of knowledge in palliative medicine coupled with a self-assessment in competence. Participants were also asked to identify current and desired educational formats in palliative medicine education.