Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

An important component of our health system is the services provided for those living with terminal illness. The health needs of these individuals are diverse and often change over time. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to engage students in building fundamental knowledge and skill for the provision of palliative care in any setting. This unit aims to develop the abilities of health professionals and other graduates to care for persons with life limiting illness, by improving awareness of the principles and values underpinning palliative care, communication, clinical assessment and interventions and optimizing function in palliative care and coping with dying and bereavement.

Objectives

1. Communicate effectively in the context of individual responses to loss and grief, existential challenges, uncertainty and changing goals of care;
2. Appreciate and respect to the diverse human and clinical responses of each individual throughout their illness trajectory;
3. Understand the principles of assessment and management of clinical and supportive care needs; and,
4. Reflect and evaluate their own professional and personal experiences and their cumulative impact on self and others.

Assessment

Comprehensive case study: 40%
Essay: 40%
Tutorial Participation: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Katrina Recoche

Contact hours

Lecture 2 hours/week
Tutorial 1 hour/week
Directed study: 3 hour/week
Private Study: 6 hours per week (library searches, reading, preparation of assignments)

Prerequisites

Enrolment in 2nd or 3rd year of an undergraduate degree related to health sciences.