Using a trade-show format to educate the public about death and survey public knowledge and needs about issues surrounding death and dying.

Abstract

A public education event on death and dying, based on the design of a commercial trade show, was held to raise the profile of palliative care in the community. Attendees answered a questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge on issues about dying and their anticipated needs if they were to face a terminal illness. Healthcare providers knew significantly more about dying, but there were persistent misconceptions that morphine shortens life, causes addiction, and develops tolerance. The questionnaire revealed confusion about treatment choices available to patients and euthanasia. The anticipated needs questions revealed that increasing age leads to less concern about physical needs, and independence/control. Further public forums on death and dying will be held with attention to education on the identified issues and inclusion of wider education and cultural groups.