Table 1 Global teaching evaluation items of the offered elective course

I

Demographics

Gender

II

Demographics

Age

III

Experience from prior health-care occupation

Apart from your medical studies and related internships, have you got any previous experience gained in another a health-care occupation?

IV

E-Learning

The e-learning module is suitable for preparing students for a meeting with a severely ill patient.

V

E-Learning

The contents of the e-learning modules are easy to understand.

VI

Structure

The structure of the elective course dividing it into e-learning, meeting with a patient and subsequent reflection is appropriate.

VII

Implementation

The lecturers/instructors prepared the meetings between the students and the patients well.

VIII

Evaluation of the reflection phase

I found comparing notes during the reflection seminar helpful.

IX

Evaluation of the reflection phase

Writing a reflection paper helps me to cope with my meeting with the patient.

X

Evaluation of lecturers/instructors

The lecturers/instructors appeared enthusiastic.

XI

Didactics

The elective course’s didactic design is appropriate.

XII

Social and self-competence

The elective course has improved my communication skills.

XIII

Social and self-competence

The elective course has changed my attitude towards meeting with dying patients.

XIV

Social and self-competence

I felt overwhelmed/out of my depth during my meeting with a severely ill patient.

XV

Overall satisfaction

Overall, I am satisfied with the elective course.