More research is needed to determine effective training methods that can improve retention of infection control and safety precautions. Retraining on a regular basis may be indicated. Of the 10 in the clinical track 6 went into private practice. There were no differences in perceptions between award winners who left and those who stayed. Teaching excellence is a perishable commodity.
Greater effort is needed to retain the best clinical teachers within academic medical centers.
Since 1994, the University of California, San Diego has provided a mandatory 16 hour rotation for third-year medical students in hospice and palliative medicine at a community hospice. Analyses compared responses, controlling for age, gender and previous clinical experience. In general, students report a deficit in their ability to perform palliative medicine tasks, irrespective of prior clinical experience. Students reported significant improvements in each of 17 items measuring knowledge and confidence performing palliative medicine tasks after completion of the rotation. Medical students reported positive attitudes about palliative medicine which improved after the rotation.