Effects of Palliative Care Education on Healthcare Professional Students: An Umbrella Review

作者：Lin Xiao, Zhishan Xie, Man Yin, Jinfeng Ding · 发表于：Medical Science Educator · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1007/s40670-026-02640-8 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues、Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health、Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Objective: To conduct an overarching review of previous reviews regarding the effects of palliative care education among healthcare students, with a focus on learning outcomes. Methods: Seven English databases and four Chinese databases were search for qualitative and quantitative systematic reviews from inception to May 2025. Two reviewers independently used the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for data extraction and appraisal. The effects of palliative care education were narratively synthesized against four levels of criteria according to the Kirkpatrick model. Results: Across all systematic reviews, the educational interventions predominantly focused on symptom management and communication skills, while limited attention was given to topics such as death and dying, ethical issues, spiritual and psychosocial care, legal considerations, and grief and bereavement. Positive outcomes related to students' learning (Kirkpatrick level 2), including knowledge, attitudes, and skills, were reported. Additionally, four systematic reviews assessed students' reactions to educational programs (Kirkpatrick level 1) and behavior changes (Kirkpatrick level 3). However, no systematic reviews explored the effects of the program on patient outcomes and organizational-level outcomes (Kirkpatrick level 4). Conclusion: Our review underscores the positive influence of palliative care education programs on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of healthcare students. Furthermore, it highlights the...