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NU7708 - Psychosocial, Spiritual and the Therapeutic Issues in Palliative Care (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

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

  • MLO-01 Develop sensitivities and skills in the provision of holistic patient and family care within the social, cultural and organisational context across the lifespan.
  • MLO-02 Discuss the concept of family support and develop an understanding of family systems theory.
  • MLO-03 Evaluate and discuss the importance of interpersonal skills when communicating with patients, families and team members.
  • MLO-04 Distinguish the factors that influence communication between the person who is receiving palliative care, their family and team members.
  • MLO-05 Appreciate disciplinary specific contributions to the collaborative work of the palliative care team in meeting the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the person who is receiving palliative care and their family.
  • MLO-06 Identify the spiritual dimensions of the person who is receiving palliative care and their implications for an interdisciplinary model of care.
  • MLO-07 Identify the clinical relevance of cultural issues and their implications for palliative care provision.
  • MLO-08 Consider the impact of progressive illness, death and bereavement of people who are dying and their significant other(s).
  • MLO-09 Identify strategies for supporting children, adolescents and adults during progressive illness, the dying process, death and bereavement.
  • MLO-10 Critically reflect on the impact of progressive illness, death and bereavement on members of the interdisciplinary team.
  • MLO-11 Identify strategies for self-care and staff support in the context of palliative care practice

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

Throughout this module, participants are encouraged to examine and critically explore psychological, spiritual, emotional, cultural and social factors in caring for individuals receiving palliative care and the bereaved. The psychological wellbeing of a person has considerable impact on their physical functioning and social well-being. In the context of holistic palliative care, a direct relationship between pain and symptom management and psychosocial care is essential.