DOING DEATHCARE DIFFERENTLY WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 28
Fanshawe Doula Studies program to host event showcasing the role of doulas in end-of-life care

On Thursday, March 28, Fanshawe's Doula Studies program will host a special event called Doing Deathcare Differently, showcasing students' final projects on the diverse roles of doulas from birth to death. 

While many may think of doulas as supporting people through pregnancy and childbirth, they can also play a supportive role at the end of life. The Doula Studies program at Fanshawe covers the full spectrum of support provided by doulas; as part of their studies, students complete coursework on grief, loss and death.  

Doing Deathcare Differently will also showcase preliminary findings of research currently underway at the College on the role of doulas in community-based palliative care, as well as results of a death literacy survey completed by Fanshawe students across campus. The goal of the survey is to measure death literacy and death anxiety among students enrolled at the College. 

"Fanshawe College students represent the caregivers of tomorrow; in fact, results of our survey indicate many are already providing care for older adults," says Jodi Hall, professor in the Doula Studies program and lead on the research project. "Results indicate two-thirds of students surveyed did not know the legalities of dying at home nor felt comfortable knowing the process of preparing documents related to end of life. These results will inform curriculum development and the development of a transdisciplinary learning module and simulation to enhance death literacy and reduce death anxiety among college students." 

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024 
Time: 1 to 3 p.m. 
Location: Fanshawe College, London Campus (1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.)
Red Zone, F building, Canada Life Village Square. See campus map for directions 
Registration: Online registration through Eventbrite.