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School of Nursing & Midwifery

NU7527 Psychosocial Issues in Haemato-Oncology Nursing (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

  • Explore the effect of a diagnosis of cancer on the patient and their family.
  • Discuss how psychosocial interventions may benefit the patient and the family.
  • Discuss life style changes that may be necessary for the patient living with a malignant or a chronic non-malignant haematological condition.
  • Discuss the impact of infertility for patients and their significant others and the treatment options that may be available.
  • Critically discuss symptom management and quality of life issues which impact on a patient’s daily activities.
  • Recognise the spiritual needs of this cohort of patients and discuss how expression of this need can be facilitated.
  • Discuss the role of that palliative care plays in helping patients’ with a malignant or chronic haematological condition manage their condition.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

This module consists of two distinct units of learning. The first focuses on the psychosocial care of the
person and their family who are faced with the prospect of a malignancy or a chronic non-malignant
haematological condition. Both are life changing events and a time of great stress for both the patient
and family. Understanding the psychosocial effects of such conditions is fundamental to the delivery of
effective professional care. The psychosocial well-being of the patient and his/her family has a
considerable impact on the health and directly impact on quality of life. Unit 2 focuses on the care of
individuals with non-malignant haematological conditions and on the care of children with haematological
and oncological conditions.

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

  • Coleman, N. Hession, N. and Connolly, A. (2011) Psycho-oncology best practice guidelines and a service perspective: conceptualising the fit and towards bridging the gap. Irish Journal of Psychology 32(1-2): 72-79.
  • Corner, J. and Bailey, C.D. (2008) Cancer nursing: care in context, 2nd edn. Wiley Blackwell: Oxford.
  • Hatton, C.S. Hughes-Jones N.C. Hay, D. (2013) Lecture Notes: Haematology, 9th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell: Oxford.
  • Hoffbrand, A.V. & Moss P.A.H. (2011) Essential Haematology 6th edn. Wiley-Blackwell: Oxford.
  • Holland, J. C. (2010) Psycho-oncology 2nd edn. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
  • Provan, D. Chisholu, H. Duncombe, A. Singer, C. & Smith, A. (2009). Oxford Handbook of Clinical Haematology 3rd edn. Oxford University Press: Oxford.

*Other readings will be provided by individual lecturers.