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NMHS42820

Academic Year 2024/2025

Psychosocial, Spiritual and Therapeutic Issues in Palliative Care (NMHS42820)

Subject:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Michael Connolly
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to develop the psychological and social context of palliative care skills necessary to support and care for the patient with advanced life limiting illness and their families. A multidisciplinary approach will be used to understand family dynamics, effective communication strategies, grief and loss, ethical issues and the therapeutic use of self.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:Explore the contribution of psychological and social theories as a basis for understanding family systems and the behaviours and feelings of people facing impending dying and their families. Analyse the impact of progressive illness, death and bereavement on people with advanced life limiting conditions, their families and communities from a psychological, social, spiritual and cultural perspective. Examine anticipatory, uncomplicated and complicated reactions to grief and loss.Demonstrate and critically reflect on practice skills in communication and counselling appropriate to the needs of the person facing life limiting illness, death and bereavement and analyse the impact of communication strategies on patient and professional relationships in palliative nursing practice.Demonstrate an understanding of complex ethical issues that may arise in palliative and end-of-life care.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

16

Specified Learning Activities

60

Autonomous Student Learning

174

Total

250


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is offered in blended format.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Specific requirements:
All applicants must have a minimum of two year's post-registration experience
Applicants must have exposure to either Level 2 or Level 3 Palliative Care, as indicated in the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001), for the duration of the course for a minimum of 75 hours per month.
Non-clinicians need to demonstrate the application of their discipline to palliative care practice
IT Skills are essential
Evidence of recent study is desirable.
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of research in practice is desirable

General Requirements:
Applicants must have a primary degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline OR
Have a Graduate Diploma/Masters Degree (NQAI Level 9) in a health related discipline.
Nurse applicants must be registered on the live register maintained by An Bord Altranais
Other health care professional must be registered with a recognised professional body


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: Students will contribute reflective assignments at three points during the module. Two of these will be graded. Week 1, Week 3, Week 5 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
30
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Students will complete an assignment on a topic provided. Week 8 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
70
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Mary Bell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Fiona Lawler Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Aoife Claire MacCormac Lecturer / Co-Lecturer