A Pilot Curriculum on Physician-Assisted Dying for Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellows.

INTRODUCTION

Physician-assisted dying (PAD) is legal in an increasing number of jurisdictions across the United States. Despite this, formal hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) fellowship curricula on PAD are lacking. To address this, a neutral (nonadvocacy) PAD pilot curriculum was developed and implemented in one large HPM fellowship program.

METHODS

A five-lecture curriculum was developed by an interdisciplinary group using Kern's six-step method. Comfort, knowledge, and satisfaction were assessed.

RESULTS

17 fellows were eligible to complete curriculum assessments with a 76% response rate on the postcurriculum survey (N = 13). Self-reported comfort improved significantly across all measured domains. Ninety-two percent of respondents were very or somewhat satisfied; 85% of respondents agreed the curriculum maintained a neutral tone.

CONCLUSION

HPM fellows value PAD education, even when practicing in a state where it is illegal. A neutral curriculum is feasible, improves comfort, and is well received. This offers a model for integrating PAD education into HPM training.