Psychosocial, Ethical & Spiritual Aspects of Palliative Care Practice (Saint Francis Hospice/ LSBU Partnership)

Program Overview

This module delves into the psychosocial, ethical, and spiritual challenges faced by patients with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones. Students will explore topics such as equity and diversity, cultural competence, and professional burnout, developing skills in providing comprehensive support and relieving psychological, social, and spiritual distress. The module culminates in a 4,000-word case study, preparing students for advanced clinical roles in palliative care.

Program Outline

By undertaking this module, students will have the opportunity to explore areas related to equity and diversity; cultural competence; psychological distress and family dynamics; ethical and legal dilemmas; communication skills, grief, loss and bereavement, and professional burnout relevant to palliative care practice.

Assessment:

• 4,000 word case study

Careers:

This module provides students with comprehensive knowledge and skills required to understand the challenges and complexities of providing support and relieving psychological, social and spiritual distress among patients and families/carers who are facing death. Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required to provide psychosocial and spiritual support, students will be well positioned to assume advanced clinical roles in a variety of clinical settings.

Other:

• Available as a standalone module: Yes
• Venue: LSBU Havering Campus and Saint Francis Hospice
• Typical intake(s): Semester 2
• Entry requirements
• 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent.
• Registration on a professional register as appropriate.
• A minimum of 6 months' experience in a related area of practice.
• Students who have not previously undertaken study at academic Level 7 (Masters level) are advised to consider the workshop: Preparation for Masters Level Study, which can be found on the CPPD prospectus.
• Assessment/submission date: TBC
• Learning outcomes
• Knowledge and Understanding:
• Articulate a deep and systematic understanding of the main psychosocial, cultural, ethical and spiritual issues in palliative care and their impact on patients, families/carers and the bereaved
• Intellectual skills:
• Critically analyse the role of effective communication and therapeutic relationships in providing psychosocial and spiritual care
• Critically evaluate the knowledge and evidence base of new and existing strategies pertinent to providing psychosocial and spiritual care
• Practical Skills:
• Recognise, evaluate and respond to the needs of marginalised populations, sexual minorities and different cultural groups
• Transferable skills:
• Demonstrate effective advanced communication skills within a complex multi-professional environment