AC7076 - Managing Pain and Symptoms in Advanced Disease

You will learn through a blended learning approach which will incorporate the use of the University’s interactive online eLearning Portal (eLP), lectures and discussions. Technology enabled learning will be enhanced through your interaction with the eLP which will give you the flexibility to access the module materials and aids remotely. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided exercises. Many of the exercises will ensure you co-construct knowledge collaboratively with your module peers. You will be required to actively engage in research rich learning through an enquiry based approach to ensure authentic learning.

You will be supported by the Module Leader who has extensive experience in specialist palliative care, maintains links with and works closely with specialist services in the region and nationally. You will be supported by the module team at the scheduled timetabled group sessions at university with formative feedback provided throughout the delivery and you will be encouraged to access individual tutorials for the summative assessment. Specialist lecturers and practitioners will deliver specific sessions and will also be available to support your learning. Further support is available in person at Student Central located in the University Library or through your student portal where you can contact Ask4Help via 0191 2274646.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate the ability to contextualise strategies which may be used to improve understanding of a variety of symptoms and pain that cause distress in patients with advanced disease, enabling them to respond and challenge practice for themselves and others.

2. Critically evaluate the need for holistic assessment skills and the value and limitation of assessment tools and processes.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically appraise the evidence base for pharmacological and non- pharmacological management strategies utilised in managing symptoms and draw conclusions about its usefulness.

4. Provide a robust and well considered approach to the quality of life dimension in relation to effective pain and symptom management in advanced disease.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Demonstrate and reinforce the characteristics of a Post Graduate Northumbria Student. Adopting a curious questioning style, they will be able to critically evaluate and contextualise theory in relation to their own clinical environment as well as their fellow students.

MLO’s 1-5 will be addressed formatively and summatively.

Formative assessment will take place in the form of student led seminars, this will enable the student to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes and the synthesis of theory and practice. Completion of the exercises will demonstrate the ability to:

• Research and critically articulate differing types of evidence; discussing with peers and teachers the relevance of the evidence. In doing so, they will work collaboratively in a community; presenting information to module peers in a variety of formats.

• Work collaboratively within a learning community; presenting information to module peers in a variety of formats.

The student will be encouraged to seek formative feedback from both module tutors and peers before the summative assessment date which presents them with the opportunity to improve their evidence of learning through reflection and constructive feedback.

Summative assessment
The summative assessment for this module will enable the practitioner, irrespective of their area of practice, to examine and discuss holistic assessment and management of a chosen symptom and critically evaluate the intervention(s) and support provided for a person and their family. The essay will demonstrate the achievement of the module learning outcomes it is expected that whilst the essay is situated in practice the need for anonymity and confidentiality will be respected This will be achieved by digital submission of a 3000 word essay via Turnitin.
Feedback will be given electronically via Turnitin and will include development advice for future academic work (MLO 1-5).

To undertake this module you must hold a valid current professional registration” (i.e.: NMC / GMC / HCPC)

N/A

This module is focussed on managing pain and symptoms in patients who have advanced disease. Students will be encouraged to consider the many components that contribute to high quality care delivery including evidence based assessment and management of symptoms.
This module will enable the practitioner to critically examine their practice when caring for patients and will consider the holistic needs of the patient and their carers. Participants will be encouraged to reflect and explore personal experiences arising from their own clinical practice in order to consider enhancing their professional practice.
The philosophy underpinning this module is that accurate assessment is the key to managing pain and symptoms in advanced disease and that effective relief is the essence of quality of life. This module will enable students to develop advanced skills and knowledge related to evidence based assessment and management of complex pain and symptoms.

A flexible learning approach is adopted to assist in the development of specific knowledge relating to the management of symptoms in advanced disease.

The assessment is based on your knowledge and understanding of symptom management contextualised for your professional practice in the form of a 3000 word essay, which will enable you to demonstrate achievement of the module learning outcomes.