This module focuses on key principles in relation to holistic assessment, management and treatment of pain and other symptoms using a palliative care approach. It develops the student’s knowledge and skills in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating evidence-based interventions related to pain and symptom management.

Available as a standalone module: Yes

Attendance (Please note, this is subject to change for future intakes)

Dates: For attendance information, please see the top of this page. Please note, if the module is full or closed for the intake(s) this academic year, dates may not appear. 

Venue:  LSBU Havering (Study Day 1) | MS Teams (Study Day 2&3) | Saint Francis Hospice (Study Day 4)

Typical intake(s): Semester 1

Career Benefits

This module provides students with comprehensive knowledge and skills required to provide impeccable symptom assessment and management for patients with life-limiting illness. Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required to provide effective pain and symptom control, students will be well positioned to assume advanced clinical roles in a variety of clinical settings.

Assessment

• Element 1 - Exam 
• Element 2 - Case study

Both elements of assessment must be passed to pass this module.  

Assessment/submission date: See attendance dates

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:   

• Critique and integrate evidence-based knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of end of life disease processes.
• Evaluate the evidence base in managing symptoms using a palliative care approach.   

Intellectual skills:

• Critically analyse the use of evidence based tools and theories of pain and symptom management.
• Critically evaluate the evidence of effectiveness of traditional and innovative interventions; including non-pharmacological approaches to guide practice, enhance clinical decisions and manage symptoms effectively.

Practical Skills:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of common and difficult distressing symptoms in palliative care.
• Demonstrate a person-centred care, tailored to meet the needs of patients and their families/carers, integrating physiological, psychosocial and spiritual factors in the assessment and management of distressing symptoms.

Transferable skills:

• Actively contribute to the interdisciplinary team’s clinical decision-making regarding the choice of appropriate, evidence based interventions to manage pain and other symptoms effectively.