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)

The five taught study days will be a mixture of face-to-face and hybrid. Three days will be taught online via MS Teams.

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 deeper understanding of the theory and skills required to provide effective pain and symptom control, students will be well positioned to assume a variety of clinical roles in a variety of clinical settings.

Assessment

To be confirmed.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:  

• Integrate evidence-based knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of end of life disease processes.
• Apply the evidence based knowledge to achieve best practice in managing symptoms related to palliative care.

Intellectual skills:

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

Practical Skills:

• Participate in the 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:

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