Palliative Approaches to Symptom Management

We are sorry, this module is not offered currently.

The aim of this module is to enhance students’ understanding and knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practice of pain and symptom management in caring for individuals with life limiting illness. It aims to develop knowledge and skills in assessing, diagnosing, planning, intervening and evaluating evidence – based theories, related research findings and principles of pain and symptom management. This module is composed of five units:

Symptom Assessment within Contemporary Palliative Care: This unit explores the definitions and principles of palliative care and examines the levels of palliative care in Irish society. It identifies the scope of palliative care in managing patients with malignant and non-malignant conditions while considering in detail the significance of impeccable assessment in symptom management. Finally this unit explores the use of assessment tools in promoting quality of life for the palliative patient.

Pain Assessment, Management and Treatment: This unit focus specifically on the concept of pain, the incidence of pain, how pain is classified. Emphasis is placed on effective assessment of pain as well as examining different theories of pain. It is important to understand the pathophysiology and mechanisms of pain before acquiring knowledge on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological aspects of pain management.

Gastro-Intestinal Symptoms associated with End of Life:  This unit examines the mechanisms and pathophysiology of distressing issues such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea and malignant bowel obstruction. The assessment and management of these problems associated with the gastro-intestinal tract are addressed.

Palliative Care Emergencies and Common Symptoms: This unit focuses on the common palliative care emergencies and symptoms encountered by patients with life-limiting illnesses.This unit identifies the importance of early identification, impeccable assessment, and recognising the significance of key signs and symptoms.

End of Life Care: this final unit of this module focuses on patient care in the last days of life.It explores the variations in definitions in end of life care. The concept of a “good death” is considered in relation to goals of care in the last days of life.Diagnosing dying is explored and how it informs a plan of care.The management of common symptom at end of life are explored.

Target Market 
All RGNs, RNID, RMHN working with people at end of life.

Prerequisite 
Students must be currently working with people at end of life.
Garda vetting is required for this module. This will be organised by the NUI Galway after you have registered for your studies.

For further details contact:

Mari Moran (Mornings: Wednesday - Friday)

School of Nursing & Midwifery 
NUI Galway 
091-493740

 Email mari.moran@nuigalway.ie