Sociology and psychology of death and dying and its influence on practice.
Concepts of loss, grief and normal bereavement across all age ranges.
Physical and psychological responses to bereavement. Theories and definitions of pain physiology.
Nursing assessment of pain and tools available.
Religious, spiritual issues for practice.
Ethical frameworks, including consent, truth telling euthanasia and advance directives
Listening and empathic skills development.
Reflective and therapeutic questioning techniques. Interviewing skills and support networks.
Problem solving in challenging areas i.e. dyspnoea, anorexia, emesis, constipation, lymphoedema,
wound management.

Payne S Seymour J & Ingleton C (2004) Palliative Care Nursing: Principles and Evidence for Practice. Open Univrsity Press. ISBN: 0335212433

Worden W J (2003) 3rd Ed. Grief Counselling & Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner. Routledge. Great Britain. ISBN:

Reynard F B & Hockley J (2005) 5th Ed A Guide to Symptom Relief in Palliative Care Radcliffe
Medical Press; ISBN: 1857759303

Video and TV, Professional library, Computer and printer, Software - word processor

Interactive lectures 30%, case study exploration 20%, tutorials 10%, experiential workshops 15%, group discussion 15%, directed reading 10%. Blackboard (linked resource)

A 3500 word reflective essay demonstrating the use of critical analysis of the care of one chosen person. This will be closely aligned with the formative presentation and developing the person centred issues that have arisen (Achieves all Learning Outcomes).

Formative Assessment:

The recording of a reflective incident pertinent to the chosen person for the summative care study. Discussion of this with peer group within the classroom.