Psychosocial Aspects of Adult Palliative Care HEA 3200

Level 6 - degree level. 20 credits.

Overview

This module provides the opportunity for the student to gain knowledge relating to the psychological, social and spiritual issues impacting on patients with a life threatening illness and their families.  The module prompts the students to critically analyse the key principles associated with the complex, moral, ethical and legal aspects influencing and underpinning palliative care provision at the end of life.

A further focus of this module relates to the issues surrrounding communication with patients who are experiencing a life limiting illness and their families. Students will have the opportunity to explore this area of practice and develop skills which can be used to improve how they communicate with this patient group.  

Module Content

• Attitudes and cultural beliefs related to death and dying
• Psychosocial impact of life threatening illness on patients and their families
• Exploration of spiritual care needs of patients
• Key moral, legal and ethical issues - implications for practice
• Concepts and theories relating to loss, grief and bereavement
• Communicating effectively with patients experiencing life threatening illness and their families

Who can attend?

This module is for registered nurses and allied health professionals. To discuss entry requirements please contact Jan Barnard.

This module can be taken as one of the following options:

• Stand alone course (single module)
• As part of the BSc(Hons) Clinical and Professional Practice programme or as part of the BSc(Hons) Clinical and Professional Palliative and End of Life Care Practice (Adult)
• Towards an Undergraduate Certificate of Professional Development
• Associate Student (attendance certificate only)

About the module

On this module you will:

• Critically examine and appraise the development of current concepts relating to loss, grief and bereavement in relation to societal and cultural norms and the application to practice
• Critically examine and appraise key current palliative care approaches within an identified area of practice, relating to the psychological and social impact of advanced disease on the patient, family and healthcare professional
• Reflect upon key ethical and moral issues relating to palliative care and demonstrate its application to local practice
• Demonstrate critical awareness of the application of key skills for facilitating communication with the patient, family and professional within the palliative care setting

The curriculum combines the use of expert speakers, supported self-directed and problem-based learning, online activities and discussion forums.

Assessment

Assessment required for successful completion:
Summative assessment consisting of two parts:

• An audio taped initial assessment of a patient with palliative care needs

• 3000 word referenced critical reflection on the taped assessment focusing upon the promotion of psychosocial care
 

When and Where

This 15-week programme starts 14th February 2012. It includes six core attendance days and one feedback and evaluation day, with the days running from 09.15 - 16.45. 

• Tuesday 14th February 2012
• Tuesday 28th February 2012
• Tuesday 13th March 2012
• Tuesday 27th March 2012
• Tuesday 3rd April 2012
• Tuesday 10th April 2011
• Tuesday 24th April 2011
• Tuesday 8th May 2011

The core attendance days for the module are held at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute Liverpool, c/o Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool, Speke Road, Woolton, Liverpool, L25 8QA.

Registration

Regististration takes place at both Edge Hill University's Aintree and Ormskirk campuses. Dates will be announced nearer the time.