Newcastle University

Aims

Handling loss and grief is a core competency for practitioners in the palliative care field. The module ‘Handling Loss, Grief, and Bereavement’ (ONC8010) examines the theoretical background of bereavement, looks at how to build support networks, identify those at risk from complex grieving and helps the student to develop strategies for support, both for themselves and for clients. The module aims to enable participants to recognise and deal effectively with issues around grief and loss from first point of contact with clients and those close to them in palliative care situations.

Outline Of Syllabus

An overview of the theories of loss. Theories of human attachment and why we grieve. Loss, bereavement and grieving. Normal and complicated grief reactions, including anticipatory grief. Self awareness, supervision and support and their role in staying well.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This is a core competency in the palliative care field. On-line text based materials will be designed around the proposed learning outcomes. A combination of on-line networking and mentorship support will help facilitate sharing of practice in this sensitive area. Learning exercises in the text based materials, which may evoke strong feelings, will be appropriately identified. Students will be actively encouraged to use the discussion board, the chat room sessions and an identified mentor for ongoing support.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The student will be summatively assessed via written analysis of a practice based project. This can be the development and/or the evaluation of such a project. The aim is for the student to demonstrate wider knowledge. A portfolio of evidence which will also be summatively assessed will encourage personal reflective practice.