Respiratory Palliation & End of Life Care

Level 7 Module - 15 credits

Module Code: 7FHH1088

Optional Module - MSc Respiratory Practice

Module Aim:

The aim of this module is to enable the student to develop an appreciation of the increasing relevance and importance of palliative care within the respiratory disease setting and critically compare the notions of palliative and end of life care.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and Understanding:

Successful students will typically be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the efficacy of a selected palliative care intervention.

2. Demonstrate how ethical and moral theory should impinge upon clinical decision-making.

Skills and attributes:

Successful students will typically be able to:

1. Justify a specific intervention utilised within either palliative or end of life care.

2. Extrapolate from selected literature shortcomings identified in the provision of palliative and end of life care.

3. Critically analyse the importance of patient involvement in clinical decision making and e.g. advanced care planning.

Module content

This module will examine aspects of palliative and end of life care, including differences between the two. Specific interventions in terms of symptom relief will be described and evaluated, and students will be introduced to fundamental aspects of moral and ethical philosophy. The importance of excellent communication and interpersonal skills will be emphasised, with specific focus on patient and relative/carer involvement in care. This module will reflect UK national guidance on palliative care and the gold standards framework.

Communication with patient and family/carers is always essential in health care, but even more so in respect of the context this module is set in. The importance of optimum communication with patients/family/carers and other health care professionals will be examined and applied to specific situations such as education of carers re practical skills, treatment decisions and the formulation of living wills with DNAR orders.

Module Assessment:

3,000 word Case Analysis

Assessment type

Coursework: 100% Weighting: 100%

Students must select a patient receiving palliative or end of life care. With reference to published literature the student should rationalise and describe one intervention being delivered to the patient. Within this discussion the student should demonstrate understanding of the principles of ethical theory, communication skills and decision making and analyse their relative contributions/influences on the decision to implement the intervention under scrutiny.

Attendance requirements:

There are two study days timetabled into this 15 week module.

The module is run on a flexible learning basis supported by comprehensive course materials (including course packs and e-learning modes). Two structured study days will facilitate classroom-based workshops, lectures and discussions. In addition, student participation, interaction and peer support will be facilitated through the use of an electronic platform.

These approaches will enable students to reflect upon existing knowledge and skills, evaluate evidence, develop problem-solving skills and thus develop personal knowledge in this area of respiratory care.