This module focuses on key principles in relation to assessment, management and treatment of pain and other symptoms using a palliative care approach. It reviews the aetiology, mechanism, assessment and treatment of common and difficult symptoms in palliative care. 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)

Dates: For attendance information, please see the top of this page and click on ‘attendance dates’. Please note, if the module is full or closed for the intake(s) this academic year, dates may not appear. 

Venue: LSBU Havering Campus and Saint Francis Hospice

Typical intake(s): Semester 1

Entry requirements

• 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent.
• Registration on a professional register as appropriate.
• A minimum of 6 months' experience in a related area of practice. 

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

• Element 1 - Exam 
• Element 2 - Case study

Both elements of assessment must be passed to pass this module.  

Assessment/submission date: TBC (Exam), TBC (Case study)

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