Module AHS 335 (15 credits at Level 6)
Module APH410 (20 credits at Level 7)
Introduction
We offer these modules either as part of our recognised Masters or top-up Honours degree programmes and as a stand-alone module undertaken as an associate student.
End-of-life care impacts across all clinical settings. Contemporary, clinical initiatives require the development of end-of-life care knowledge, skills and awareness in order to support patients, families and carers at a challenging time, often involving complex holistic care needs.
The module will reflect core issues indicated by the national End-of-life Care Strategy (2008). The core elements of assessing, planning, reviewing and co-ordinating the needs of patients and their carers will be covered.
Aims of the Programme
To enable students to:
- analyse the impact of national strategies for end-of-life care on local services
- critically analyse the evidence base for management of common symptoms at the end of life
- crucially discuss the provision of spiritual care at the end of life
- critically discuss the needs of families and carers during the period where a client is approaching the end of life
- synthesise effective communication strategies that enable challenging conversations surrounding end-of-life care critically evaluate the provision of multi-professional care at the end of life
- critically analyse the end-of-life strategy in the context of policy development for local health services
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching of this module usually comprises 4 study days, which may be delivered at the university. Alternatively, given sufficient numbers, it can be delivered in the workplace in a suitable learning environment (subject to discussion and agreement with the module leader).
Content
- The End-of-Life Strategy (2008)
- Assessment, planning and review of patients’ preferences for care
- Gold standards framework and End-of-Life pathways
- Basic symptom control of common symptoms presenting at the end of life
- Spiritual care
- Support for carers and families
- Information for patients and carers
- Care in the last days of life
- Care after death
- Handling challenging discussions with patients and carers