Training medical students on notifying families about patient deaths

Confirming And Notifying Death : Blended Learning and Its Evaluation by Medical Students, an Acceptability Study"

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT06910176

This study looks at how final-year medical students learn to inform families about patient deaths to see what challenges they face and how training can be improved.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France (other)
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT06910176 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the experiences of medical students at the Faculty of Medicine of Strasbourg as they learn to notify families about patient deaths. It aims to highlight the challenges faced by these students, including emotional and practical difficulties, due to a lack of training in this sensitive area. By documenting these experiences, the study seeks to improve educational approaches and support for future physicians in handling death notifications. The study involves students who are in their final year and have not yet completed internships in specialized palliative care facilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are medical students in their final year at the Faculty of Medicine of Strasbourg who are preparing to enter their internships.

Not a fit: Patients who have already completed their medical training or those not enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine of Strasbourg will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved training programs for medical students, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with families during difficult times.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be limited studies specifically addressing this training gap, the need for improved communication skills in medical education has been recognized, suggesting potential for success in similar educational interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* DFASM3 student,
* At the Faculty of Medicine of Strasbourg, France, for the 2023-2024 academic year,
* Having taken the national ECOS (thus becoming an intern at the start of the following academic year in November 2024),
* Aged 18 years or older,
* Not opposed to participating in the study.
* Not having completed an internship in specialized palliative care facilities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refused to participate in the study.
* Not having taken the national ECOS.

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Death Records, Notifying Death

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.