Table 4 Students’ perceptions of the most difficult tasks and skills based on theoretical vs. practical training in medical school

Which task do you find most difficult? *

N(%)

N (%)

Discussing the end of therapeutic options and palliative care

220 (74.6)

35 (41.7)

< 0.001q

Addressing end-of-life issues (e.g., do not resuscitate)

195 (66.1)

37 (44.0)

0.002q

Communicating the worsening of the disease

116 (39.3)

46 (54.8)

0.009q

Involving family and friends

95 (32.2)

21 (25.0)

0.206q

Discussing the cancer diagnosis

25 (8.5)

14 (16.7)

0.029q

Which skill do you find most difficult? *

Dealing with the patient’s emotions

190 (64.4)

41 (48.8)

0.009q

Being honest while maintaining hope

129 (43.7)

28 (33.3)

0.087q

Involving the patient in decision-making

33 (11.2)

8(9.5)

0.665q

Dedicating adequate time to communication

15 (5.1)

6 (7.1)

0.623f