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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2013/2014 -
- ARCHIVE as at 1 September 2013 for reference only
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Clinical Sciences : General Courses (Medicine)

Postgraduate Course: Palliative Care and Pain Management (GMED11066)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Clinical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Course typeStandard AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaGeneral Courses (Medicine) Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThis course will provide a detailed knowledge and understanding of palliative care through the study of case scenarios, online lectures and background reading with the aim of improving clinical management of patients requiring end of life care and symptom management. This course will specifically cover; an introduction to palliative care, recognising and managing the end of life experience, talking and planning for death, communicating well with patients ('the difficult conversation'), policy and practicalities of achieving a good death for all, and spiritual dimensions of dying in pluralist societies. In additional aspects of symptom control will be covered with material relating to the pharmacology of analgesia, the analgesic ladder, breakthrough pain and the Liverpool care pathway.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2013/14 Semester 2, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Learn enabled:  No Quota:  None
Web Timetable Web Timetable
Course Start Date 13/01/2014
Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 10, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 5, Online Activities 50, Summative Assessment Hours 10, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 25 )
Additional Notes
Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
No Exam Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the course the candidate should have an improved perception of who would benefit from palliative care management, and the wide- ranging factors that need to be considered when dealing with dying patients. In addition practical guidance will be given about how to manage symptoms effectively.

The student should:
¿ Understand what palliative care is and who might benefit (including recognising the dying patient)
¿ Understand the theory behind communication bad news sensitively
¿ Understand the importance of managing end of life issues well, and be aware of policies and guidelines that may help achieve this
¿ Understand the need for sensitivity with regards spiritual and cultural needs of patients
¿ Be aware of the main classes of drugs used for symptom control and their appropriate use and escalation
Assessment Information
Formal summative written assessment will constitute 100% of the student's grade (a written assignment reviewing aspects of palliative care management that should be considered in a specific clinical scenario).
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsPalliative Care, Pain Management, Communication, End of Life Care.
Contacts
Course organiserDr Colin Barrie
Tel: 0131 242 9402
Email: C.Barrie@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Angela Rankeillor
Tel: 0131 242 6536
Email: angela.rankeillor@ed.ac.uk
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