ONC8030 : Psychosocial Issues in Advanced Disease (E-learning)
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Ms Kay McAlinden
- Lecturer: Mr David McLoughlin
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Off Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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
• Breaking Bad news
• Family and social networks
• Assessing psychological needs
• Self-image, body image and sexuality
• Living with and beyond a diagnosis of advanced disease
• Managing grief
• Therapeutic interventions
• Professional support, self-care and supervision
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 16:00 | 32:00 | Independent assessment preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 12 | 3:30 | 42:00 | Online content |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 12 | 3:30 | 42:00 | Reflective diary |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 12 | 3:30 | 42:00 | Supplemental reading and practice-based investigation |
| Guided Independent Study | Online Discussion | 12 | 3:30 | 42:00 | Via discussion board |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 module leaders provides a safe space for sharing of sensitive material.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 60 | 2,000 word |
| Reflective log | 1 | M | 40 | Log of 4 reflective activities undertaken throughout the module (2000 words max across all activities) |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | 1 | M | 1,000 words maximum |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The summative assessment is in two parts: a 2000 word essay and a reflective log. This assessment rationale allows student to demonstrate the critical application of evidence to practice and develop professional skills essential for caring for people with life-limited, advanced disease.
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 log, students will provide a series of individual reflections of their development of empathic communication skills as they progress through 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ONC8030's Timetable