UCC Module

Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Palliative Care

(IP6009)

UCC CPD MODULE TITLE:

COURSE CODE:

IP6009

CREDIT WEIGHTING:

DATES

Autumn 2024

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must have:

A primary degree or an equivalent experience in a relevant health care discipline* to be approved by the Programme Team.
Registration or eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional healthcare registration body.
Ideally, candidates should have a minimum of one-year post qualification experience in healthcare provision.
A relevant health care discipline includes, but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, audiology physiotherapy, psychology, and social studies.

All applicants are required to complete an application form and provide evidence of current professional registration.

VENUE:

Blended Learning – Online and at the Education Centre, Marymount University Hospital & Hospice, and/or UCC.

OUTLINE:

This module focuses on the concept that palliative care aims to improve quality of life and well-being, not only by treating physical symptoms but by also addressing the psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families. The role of the inter-professional team in the assessment, support and management of psychosocial and spiritual concerns in patients with life-limiting illness will be explored and highlighted. The module will include a section on mental health issues, the impact of cultural diversity and the importance of cultural and spiritual sensitivity in palliative care. The importance of self-care for clinical teams working in this environment will be examined.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Describe the key features of the holistic approach of palliative care for patients with life-limiting illness, including psychological, social and spiritual considerations.
Explain the evidence base for spiritual and psychological care and intervention in palliative care.
Appraise the roles of different members of the inter-disciplinary team and collaborative approaches to care.
Identify psychological responses, social stressors and resources, spiritual and religious influences in situations of diagnosis, illness, loss, death and bereavement.
Display cultural awareness and responsiveness to social and cultural diversity and beliefs when caring for patients and their families.
Reflect on the psychological impact of working with patients with life-limiting illness and death on themselves and other staff.
Demonstrate competence in spiritual screening, history taking and recording for healthcare professionals appropriate to their discipline.

Registration now open: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ip6009/

Additional Queries:

Helen Leahy – Clinical Tutor for Marymount University Hospital and Hospice via email: hleahy@marymount.ie