Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The overall aim of the module is to explore some of the psychological, social and organisational factors that influence the responses to and the management and outcomes of advanced disease cancer. This module will consider the theoretical basis of these issues and explore them these factors from the perspectives of the patient, their family or carers and the health professionals involved in their care. These are core competencies for practitioners in the fields of palliative care and oncology.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover the following topics:
• Theoretical basis of psychosocial development Loss threat and adjustment
• Communication
• Sharing bad news
• Family and social networks
• Assessing psychological needs
• Self-image, body image and sexuality
• Living with and beyond a diagnosis of advanced disease
• Understanding and managing responses to grief
• Therapeutic interventions
• Professional support, self-care and supervision

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module students will able to:

• Appraise the causes and effects of a professional's failure to adequately elicit patients' concerns.
• Recognize and reflect upon the possible reactions to the news of a serious illness diagnosis
• Critically evaluate the theoretical and research underpinnings of a range of psychosocial issues influencing advanced disease and grieving.
• Critically evaluate tools and guidelines to support communication, communication skills around sharing bad news and the screening for and assessment of psychosocial needs in patients with advanced disease.
• Critique a range of psychosocial interventions in advanced disease.
• Critically examine the experience of patients and carers surviving /living with advanced disease.
• Assess the impact of advanced disease on mood, self-image, and sexuality.
• Evaluate the relationship between illness and social support networks.
• Evaluate the provision of psychosocial support and bereavement services.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module students will able to:

• Critically review the application of models of grief to the experience of loss and bereavement
• Critically consider the communication of complex and sensitive material
• Explore and critically assess evidence supporting the use of relevant interventions.
• Apply theory/evidence to practice through critical reflection of authentic case studies.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The design of the on-line materials and tutorials encourages practitioners to explore and deepen their understanding of psycho-social aspects of cancer care, including grief, loss and bereavement. On-line asynchronous discussion will focus on issues raised through reading and reflection. The outcomes of these discussions allows online networking, peer-to-peer support and facilitates vicarious learning through sharing of best practice. Moderation of discussions by the module leader provides a safe space for sharing of sensitive material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative assessment is in two parts: a 2000 word essay and 4 reflective accounts. This assessment rationale allows students to demonstrate their development of relevant skills and understanding from the topics covered in the module.

In the essay, students have a choice of topics, each of which require students to critically apply relevant research and theory to clinical practice and service provision. In the reflective account, students will provide a series of individual reflections of their development of relevant skills and understanding from the topics covered in the module.

Should a student fail the module overall they must submit a 2,000 word reflective account of their learning gained from studying this module and how they intend to apply this learning to their practice and/ or service provision.

General Notes

N/A