GER502 End of Life and Palliative Care Issues in Ageing (8)

This subject will examine the complex bio/psycho/social/ethical/legal and political aspects of end of life care of older people and contemporary issues facing health professionals in this field. A diversity of social and cultural interpretations of death and dying will inform study of palliative care models within community, hospital and residential settings. Topics will include experiences of diagnosis of a terminal illness, person-centred care in palliation, communication about death and dying, working with families, professional self-care, duty of care and professional ethics. The subject also offers a specific focus on palliation in dementia care.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GER502. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Social Work and Arts

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Describe and explain complex palliative care and end of life issues for older people within a social framework.
  • Explore and articulate their own personal, spiritual and cultural values on death and dying, and evaluate the influence of their beliefs and values on practice.
  • Analyse and critique contemporary models of palliative care applicable to different practice settings.
  • Interpret and apply ethics to practice in end of life care.
  • Apply person-centred care principles in end of life care.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Bio/psycho/social aspects of end of life care
  • Values, ethics and legal aspects of end of life care
  • Social and cultural interpretations of death and dying
  • Experiences of diagnosis and care of a terminal illness
  • Clinical and participatory decision-making in terminal illnesses and end of life care
  • Models of palliative care in community, hospital, hospice and residential care
  • Palliation in dementia care
  • Pain assessment and management in palliative care, including in dementia care
  • Professional self care in palliative work
  • Person-centred approaches to end of life care
  • Family carers' participation and needs in end of life care

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of GER502 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Concept of a 'good death'
50
2
Biopsychosocial approach - case study
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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