Faculty Advisor(s)
Cheryl Jayne
Files
Abstract
Death and Dying Across The Lifespan centers on the creation of three interdisciplinary educational courses focused on end-of-life care for three distinct age groups: geriatrics, adults, and pediatrics. The courses aim to improve undergraduate students’ competence in addressing death and dying with patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals within the team. The courses were developed in response to growing evidence that supports the need for education on death, dying, and caring for individuals at the end of life. Many students are not adequately exposed to these topics in current curricula, despite the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in this area of practice. Students are left feeling underprepared and unsure of how to proceed when working with a patient or family of someone who is dying. Students are not always exposed to death and dying in curriculum and this is an area of practice where interdisciplinary practice is very important. Constructivism is a learning theory that focuses on the active learner using their current knowledge and new information to create their own understanding. Based on the educational theory of constructivism, the curriculum integrates case-based learning, reflective practice, and collaborative activities to encourage deeper student engagement and application of knowledge. These courses address a significant educational gap and serve as a foundation for preparing future professionals to approach end-of-life care with empathy, clarity, and confidence across the lifespan. The outcome is a set of adaptable, multidisciplinary courses that promote compassionate and person-centered care for all disciplines and promotes interdisciplinary understanding of various roles within this practice area.
Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
death, dying, education, interdisciplinary, undergraduate, curriculum, end-of-life, students, courses
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Sala, Paige, "Death and Dying Across the Lifespan" (2025). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025. 17.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2025/17