Knowledge Gaps in End-of-Life Care and Planning Options Among Older Adults in Switzerland

Objectives: Good knowledge about end-of-life (EOL) care options helps in discussing and planning important aspects of the end of life in advance and contributes to improved well-being among dying patients and their families.

Methods: Our study explores knowledge levels of EOL care and planning options and its sociodemographic and regional patterning using nationally representative data from respondents aged 55+ of wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe in Switzerland (n = 2,199).

Results: Respondents answered correctly on average to just under four out of eight questions regarding EOL care options. Women, individuals with higher education levels, and those living with a partner showed a higher EOL knowledge score, whereas the score is lower among older adults (75+) and individuals living in French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland.

Conclusion: In view of the significant EOL knowledge gaps among older adults in Switzerland, further education efforts on EOL care options are needed, with particular attention to the population groups most affected.

Factors Affecting California College Students’ Attitudes Toward Assisted Dying

This study focuses on college students’ experiences and beliefs, which affect attitudes toward assisted dying. Of 324 students, 35% wanted the option of assisted dying for a family member with a life-threatening illness. Results of multiple logistic regression indicate students who favored assisted dying were significantly influenced by having a family member die, experiencing hospitalization, thinking about end-of-life issues, and being comfortable with palliative care. Belief in an afterlife and being a caregiver were negatively associated with assisted dying. Students need to receive training in end-of-life care issues, as increasingly professionals will face such requests.

Confidence and attitudes of pharmacy students towards suicidal crises: patient simulation using people with a lived experience

PURPOSE

Health care professionals, including pharmacists, have the potential to recognise and assist those at risk of suicide. The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of utilising people with a lived experience of mental illness as simulated patients on final year pharmacy students' attitudes toward and confidence in caring for people at risk of suicide after first receiving Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.

METHODS

A parallel group repeated measures design was used. People with a lived experience of mental illness enacted patients experiencing a mental health crisis, including possible suicidal ideation. Following MHFA training, the first group directly participated in the simulation, the second group observed, and the final group had no exposure to the simulation. Validated surveys measuring student attitudes and confidence were conducted at three time points; pre and post MHFA, and then at 2-4 weeks follow-up.

RESULTS

Full datasets of survey responses were received from 34/40 direct participants (85%), 104/146 observers (71%) and 50/66 comparison students (76%). Mean confidence scores significantly improved for all groups post MHFA training (p < 0.05). At follow-up, all 8 confidence items for the direct participant and observer group maintained significance from baseline to post intervention (p < 0.05). Mixed results in relation to attitudes towards suicide were evident at each time point and among each participant group.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilising people with a lived experience of mental illness as simulated patients has a positive effect on sustaining pharmacy student confidence in discussing suicidal behaviour post MHFA training. The inconsistency in attitudes towards suicide suggests that attitudes are complex in nature, involving multiple dynamic influences.