Table 2.
Comments on teaching and learning about goals of care conversations
| Theme | Subtheme | Quotes |
|---|---|---|
| General perceptions of GCC | A challenging conversation Residents responsible for majority of GCC GCC skills important for all residents Most residents already skilled in GCC Residents confident in GCC |
“Can be a difficult topic in certain situations.” “Residents do the majority of goals of care discussions.” “Necessary learning for all residents in all programs!” “The majority [of residents] are reasonably good at this.” “I believe that our residents are comfortable discussing goals of care.” |
| Needs for GCC teaching | Gap in formal GCC teaching Uncertain quality of GCC teaching Formal GCC teaching would be valuable GCC teaching already well-integrated into curriculum |
“It is in our objectives and is a gap in our education process.” “I suspect our current instruction around goals of care are somewhat variable in terms of quality.” “I think it would be valuable to add a more formal didactic component to how we teach this.” “I believe our program discusses goals of care and models this process very well through our preceptors.” |
| Ideas for GCC teaching | Tailored to discipline-specific needs Avoiding formulaic approaches Specific techniques |
“Our needs might be a little different than other programs.” “Every situation is different… a ‘formulaic approach’ may be counterproductive.” Online modules, podcasts, practical tips, workshops, simulation, clinical exposure, role modeling, mentorship |
| Assessment of GCC | Current assessment methods artificial Standardized assessment tool would be valuable |
“At times artificial measures of assessment of expertise in this area.” “A standardized tool for evaluating these discussions is an excellent idea.” |
GCC goals of care conversations