Nursing student's experiences of taking part in a Death Café: A qualitative study

Identifier:  imarina:9589643

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9589643

Authors:  Malumbres-Talavera, Jenifer; Gomez De Quero Cordoba, Marina; Bonet, Aida; Bazo-Hernandez, Leticia; Cuesta-Martinez, Maria Roser; Vives-Espelta, Judit; Raventos-Torner, Rosa

Abstract:
Aims: To explore students' experiences of taking part in a Death Caf & eacute; and whether they consider the Death Caf & eacute; as being a useful educational tool.Background: Talking about death remains a taboo for both nursing professionals and students. Recognizing the importance of open dialogue, Death Caf & eacute;s were established to provide safe spaces for individuals to share thoughts and feelings on this topic.Design: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study employing a descriptive analytical approach.Methods: This study was conducted between April 2025 and July 2025 at a public university in Catalonia. The Death Caf & eacute; was a mandatory activity within the palliative care course for all third-year bachelor/undergraduate nursing students. After the course, students were invited to participate in a questionnaire containing 12 open-ended questions, and all 39 students agreed to participate. Data were analyzed using Sandelowski's qualitative descriptive approach.Results: Following questionnaire analysis, 24 units of meaning, categorized into 7 subcategories and 2 categories emerged: (1) death without fear: normalizing dialogue and communication. The Death Caf & eacute; fostered speaking about death freely and without prejudices; (2) emotional management and group support in the learning process. Students reported a sense of emotional relief when speaking about death and considered it a tool that can enhance their capacity to support patients and families.Conclusion: Most participants regarded the Death Caf & eacute; as a comfortable and enriching experience that provided a respectful environment for open conversation about death. The activity reduced perceived fears and taboos, promoted emotional reflection, and encouraged the sharing of diverse perspectives.