PSW059 - Palliative Care

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:38:57.721
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:00.526

Subject Title
Palliative Care

Subject Description
This subject allows students to discuss the concept of dying. Students have the opportunity to examine personal beliefs about life-threatening illness, dying and death. Assisting the client that is dying to maintain a desired lifestyle and respecting her/his rights to make decisions regarding support are discussed. Specific approaches within the scope of the support worker to reduce discomfort/pain and pain (within the context of a plan of support or care) are also covered. Additionally, transitioning into the work environment will be explored.

Credit Status
1 credit towards the Personal Support Worker Program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:
  1. Identify own beliefs and biases to life threatening illness, dying and palliation.
  2. Recognize the impact of life-threatening conditions on the client and his/her family/friends.
  3. Understand and discuss the process of dying and explain how to meet the needs of a client that is dying.
  4. Identify the signs of approaching death and the signs of death.
  5. Describe the stages, phases and care, clients, families, and care providers may encounter when dealing with grief and the impact that grief may have on individuals.
  6. Define and discuss the concept of palliative, hospice, and end of life care.
  7. List the principles of compassionate care.
  8. Recognize the rights of the client, family member or designated other in decisions regarding consent to treatment, living wills, Medical assistance in dying (MAID) and or "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders as identified in the care plan. Additionally, understand the term “palliative sedation”.
  9. Describe communication skills in reporting and recording client information such as signs and expressions of pain and other symptoms
  10. Explain how to assist in the provision of culturally relevant palliative and end-of-life care to clients and their families from diagnosis through death and bereavement and how culture, religion, and age can influence attitudes towards death and after death and how best to support clients and their friends and families.
  11. Identify common nonpharmacological comfort and pain-reducing techniques to clients experiencing pain/discomfort as directed by the care plan.
  1. Identify the activities required at the time of death, according to agency policy or as outlined in the plan of support/care, specific to agency (community) hospice, institutional and facility care.
  2. Explain the terms “honesty” and “integrity” and how they relate to care and to the role of the PSW.
  3. Identify the role of the coroner in situations of sudden and unexpected death.
  4. Discuss strategies to support the Personal Support Worker transitioning into the work environment.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.