A Study on Perceptions on Death, Actions on Death Preparation, and Death Education among Medical Personnel

Background/Objectives: This study examined perception on death and actions on it, and necessity and importance of death education using medical Personnel (nurses) as survey respondents. It was done to provide information to make medical Personnel have positive perception on death, and to suggest a direction in developing a death education program. Methods/Statistical Analysis: During the month of May, 2015, 127 nurses working in the D University Hospital in Daejeon, Chungnam province were selected as survey objects and study was conducted. Findings: To the question, "To whom do you notify first that the patient cannot be recovered?", 71 respondents (55.9%) answered that they give notice to protectors, and, among this group of respondents, more respondents answered that death education is neither necessary nor important than those who answered that it is necessary and important. Improvements: This research about death perception and death preparation education to develop a death education program will serve as the basis to give information in making medical Personnel have positive perception of death, and to suggest a direction of death education contents.