Critical Inquiry in Palliative Care

Subject 360-877 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: Students must complete 4 of the following 5 days in order to complete the subject. Day 1 – Evidence Based Palliative Care (compulsory for all students). Day 2 - Symptom Management and technical aspects of palliative care (compulsory for doctors and nurses) Day 3 – Palliative care in non-cancer context Day 4 - Psychosocial, spiritual and ethico-legal aspects of palliative care Day 5 - Family centred palliative care
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will have:
  • Critically appraise literature relevant to course content
  • Discuss the fundamentals of research in palliative care and evaluation techniques implemented
  • Explore the principles of evidence based practice
  • Identify symptoms often experienced by patients during the palliative phase of an illness
  • Explore current evidence based strategies for complex symptom management
  • Discuss models of grief and bereavement care , and be able to describe risk factors for prolonged grief
  • Identify relevant legislation that guides palliative care practice in Australia
  • Explore the concept of spiritual care in the context of palliative care provision
  • Identify diseases other than cancer likely to benefit from a palliative approach
  • Recognise challenges of providing palliative care for patients with non malignant diseases
  • Discuss the impact of the caring role for a family caregiver
  • Be aware of interventions to benefit families providing care to palliative care patients
  • Identify opportunities for own learning needs
Assessment:
  • 30% 1 x 2000 word assignment
  • 50% clinical portfolio (set of self directed clinically focused learning activities assessed by a clinical mentor) Note: for doctors and nurses there will be a focus on symptom management and technical skills.
  • 20% critical review of the literature relevant to course content

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date

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