Comparative study among Spanish students of health sciences degrees: Facing death.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of students of health sciences faculties (medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy) regarding specific issues related to death and end of life in both professional and personal realms. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and multi-center approach was used. The modified Bugen Scale for facing death was used. The study population (411 students) encompassed three distinct groups: students from the degrees of medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy. In total, 12 items showed significant differences between the three groups. The sample presented a moderate level of perceived competency in the ability to face death. We found significant differences in the scores obtained by the three groups regarding their ability to face the death of people who are emotionally close. Furthermore, the sample demonstrated a good level of self-efficacy when facing death, with nursing students displaying the greatest emotional involvement when compared to their colleagues studying medicine and physiotherapy. It is therefore recommended that study curricula of future health professionals contain specific training in end-of-life care.