RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Confirming And Notifying Death

This study focuses on how young doctors are trained to handle patient deaths. It recognises that doctors often encounter death early in their careers but may not receive much specific training on how to certify a death or talk to grieving families. Many new doctors find these tasks difficult and feel unprepared. This research aims to see if creating specific training for medical students in France, before they start working independently, would be helpful. The study wants to understand if such training would be welcomed by students and could improve their ability to provide compassionate and accurate support to families during a very difficult time. The overall goal is to ensure better care and communication for deceased patients and their loved ones.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

Start

10 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

10 Dec 2025

Death Records

What is this study about?

Imagine you're training to be a doctor, and you're faced with certifying a patient's death or speaking to their grieving family. It's a hugely important and sensitive moment. This study from France is looking at whether doctors-in-training get enough support and education for these tasks. Many new doctors find these duties very tough because they haven't had much specific training in how to do them properly or how to communicate with families.

The researchers believe that good training on this topic is essential. It's not just about the medical side of things, but also about supporting families who are going through a very sad and often confusing time. How a death is announced and how families are treated can really affect how they cope with their grief. This study wants to explore if giving medical students special training before they start working as fully qualified doctors would make a positive difference.

Ultimately, the project aims to improve how doctors are prepared for these sensitive situations. By understanding if students would be open to such training, the researchers hope to develop better ways to teach future doctors how to certify deaths and support families with kindness and understanding. This could lead to better experiences for everyone involved during a difficult time.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on improving medical training for dealing with patient deaths.
It aims to make future doctors better at certifying deaths and supporting grieving families.
Taking part likely involves sharing opinions on training methods.
It's a study for medical students in France, not for patients.
The goal is more compassionate and effective care in sensitive situations.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be a medical student in your final year (DFASM3) at the University of Strasbourg in France during the 2023-2024 academic year. You must also have decided to become an intern (a junior doctor) starting in November 2024.

You need to be 18 years old or older and not have any strong objections to being part of the study. Also, you shouldn't have done a special internship previously focusing on caring for people nearing the end of their life.

You wouldn't be able to join the study if you refused to take part, or if you hadn't completed the national exams that allow you to become an intern.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a final-year medical student (DFASM3) at the University of Strasbourg?
Will you become a junior doctor (intern) in November 2024?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you *not* done a special placement in palliative care?
Are you happy to take part in a study about training for sensitive medical duties?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is about getting feedback from medical students on the idea of specific training. It doesn't involve any medical treatments, medications, or extra doctor's visits. Instead, if you're eligible and choose to take part, you would likely be asked to share your thoughts and experiences regarding training about patient deaths and speaking with families. This could involve surveys or interviews. The exact time commitment isn't specified but it would be expected to be minimal and would not impact your usual medical studies. You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

The main potential benefit of taking part is contributing to better training for future doctors, which could lead to improved support for grieving families. Since this is an educational study and doesn't involve medical interventions, there are no physical risks. The main risk would be any emotional discomfort from discussing sensitive topics. You are free to withdraw from the study at any point, without giving a reason, if you feel uncomfortable.

Locations (1)

Service de soins Palliatifs - CHU de Strasbourg - France
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is this study trying to find out?

It's trying to see if special training for medical students on dealing with patient deaths and talking to families would be helpful and accepted by students.

Who can take part in this study?

Only final-year medical students at the University of Strasbourg in France, preparing to become junior doctors, are eligible.

Will I have to take any medicine or have medical procedures?

No, this study is about feedback on training, not medical treatments. There are no medicines or procedures involved.

What will I actually *do* if I join?

You'll likely be asked for your opinions through surveys or discussions about training for sensitive end-of-life care situations.

Can I change my mind after joining?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason.

How to find out more

Catherine CHEVALIER-LAMOUILLE, MD

catherine.lamouille@chru-strasbourg.fr 33 3 88 11 65 86 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.