Exploring medical and nursing students’ perceptions of death and dying: a qualitative study using photo-elicitation interviews

An individual’s perception of death and dying is influenced by multidimensional factors, including societal, relational and personal aspects. When factors such as cultural taboos and fears dominate, they can negatively shape one’s perception of death and dying. Consequently, inexperienced medical and nursing students may be more susceptible to the negative impacts of dealing with death and dying. To explore perceptions of death and dying among medical and nursing students. A descriptive qualitative study using participant-selected photo-elicitation interviews was conducted at a medical school situated in Singapore. A purposive sample based on a maximum variation technique was used to select 32 medical and nursing students. Individual semi-structured audio and video-recorded interviews were conducted via Zoom. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were subjected to thematic analyses. Photos were used to complement the interview narratives. A total of three themes were derived from the analysis, (1) interpretations of death and dying, (2) navigating through cultural and spiritual beliefs, and (3) encountering deaths in everyday life. While participants viewed death as a celebration of a life’s journey, they also feared uncertainties about what happens after death. Their perceptions were shaped by cultural norms, taboos, and spiritual beliefs. Additionally, participants’ perceptions of death were shaped by the proximity and strength of their relationship with the deceased. The findings of this study can contribute to the broader literature by providing an in-depth understanding of medical and nursing students’ perception of death. The recommendations to the medical and nursing curriculum through the introduction of death conversations, pastoral care, and resilience training can help support students as they navigate their way through their academic journeys.