Evaluation of diagnostic and treatment approaches towards acute dyspnea in a palliative care setting among medical students at the University of Vienna.

Background: Dyspnea is common in advanced cancer patients with opioids as first line treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate the level of knowledge about diagnosis and treatment of dyspnea in palliative care patients among 4th year students.

Methods: A case report was distributed to the students describing acute dyspnea in a lung cancer patient. Students were asked to rank their diagnosis and treatment options by importance.

Results: 633 medical students in their 4th year attended a seminar about palliative care. Of these, 423 (77%) completed the case report. The most frequent diagnostic option was measuring patient's oxygen saturation (n = 388), followed by auscultation (n = 339). As treatment options, students chose the delivery of oxygen (n = 393) as most important. The application of opioids was suggested by a total of 138 students.

Conclusion: Although students did not have practical skills in treating advanced cancer patients with acute dyspnea, 32.6% would suggest an opioid as treatment option.