Easing Physical Symptoms: It's Not Just Hospice Anymore from Coursera

Palliative care provides important support for people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses and their family caregivers. In this course, you will learn to use symptom assessment tools to better understand which symptoms are present and which are most distressing. In subsequent weeks you will learn about some of the most common and distressing symptoms such as anorexia (loss of appetite), dyspnea (shortness of breath), fatigue (weakness), delirium(confusion) and constipation and nausea/vomiting. For each of these symptoms, you will learn about the underlying cause and potential ways to support people and their families to manage the symptoms with simple practical and non-medical approaches as well as a review of medications as appropriate. In addition, you will learn to help people with their emotional response to symptoms and loss of function.

You will be able to immediately use these insights, skills, and tools in your work with people living with serious illness. In other courses, you will learn communication skills, whole person assessment, how to ease physical pain and explore ways to ease psycho-social-spiritual distress.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Common Symptoms and Anorexia

Welcome! In this module, you will learn about physical symptom assessment and then about the distressing symptoms of anorexia (loss of appetite) and cachexia (extreme weight loss). People living with serious illness often have more than five non-pain symptoms, like loss of appetite, dyspnea, weakness, confusion and many others that are contributing to suffering. You will learn how to use a symptoms assessment tool to help providers understand what symptoms are present and what is most distressing and needs prompt attention. In the second part of this week, you will learn about the common symptom of anorexia: Loss of appetite. When you understand anorexia you are able to look for reversible causes, support patient and family emotional distress, and offer practical help to manage this problem.

Dyspnea

In this module, you will review dyspnea assessment basics. You will start with defining dyspnea and the scope of the dyspnea problem in the palliative care setting. You will review various types and causes of dyspnea in people with serious illness. To understand how medications and integrative pain therapies work to decrease dyspnea, you need to know how the body recognizes dyspnea and makes a person short of breath. You will review how to evaluate a person’s dyspnea and how to help people pace themselves so that they can live with shortness of breath.

Weakness and Fatigue

In this module you learn about the physical symptom of asthenia, also called fatigue. Fatigue and weakness are seen in almost all people living with serious illness. Although fatigue is common and very emotionally distressing, providers often don't talk about it with patients and families because they think that there is nothing they can do. Although fatigue is a difficult symptom to treat it is important to look for reversible causes, consider ways to reduce the distress of fatigue and provide practical help to cope and live well with serious illness.

Cognitive Impairment

In this module the learner will be introduced to the term “cognitive impairment”, the common types of this impairment, how these types differ, as well as signs and symptoms experienced by patients suffering with this type of serious illness.

Nausea, Vomiting, and Constipation (NVC)

Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are frequent symptoms among patients with advanced illness. The aim of this lecture is to review how these symptoms occur and how they can be treated from a palliative care perspective.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches methods for assessing physical symptoms which is relevant for a patient's overall care

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners with the addition of practical, non-medical approaches

Provides tools and skills that are highly relevant to a wide range of healthcare professionals

Covers a variety of common distressing symptoms, offering a comprehensive study of an essential aspect of the field

This course offers guidance on how to help people cope with their emotional response to symptom and loss of function, catering to a holistic view of their wellbeing

Provides practical and non-medical approaches to symptom management in addition to a review of medications

Reviews summary

Palliative care expertise

According to students, this hospice and palliative care course goes beyond the basics and assists a wide range of audiences, including medical professionals, non-professional caregivers, and patients. Learners appreciate that in addition to medical interventions, this course places equal importance on subtle techniques and emphasizes caring for the whole person. Students describe this course as outstanding with engaging assignments, amazing instructors, and very informative content. This course also provides practical application for the concepts taught and recognizing and managing physical symptoms.

Provides tools for real-world application.

"As with others course I have done so far, it is very well presented. All these complex concepts are put forward in a very accessible manner. thank you. Much directed reading and practical application will endorse the necessary and certainly improved learning. Much appreciated."

Hospice and palliative care for all.

"The material is amazingly compatible to a considerably wide range of audiences - from professional practitioners to non-professional caregivers to patients themselves."

Treats the whole patient, not just the ailment.

"Apart from these, this course puts equal premium on direct physical/pharmacological interventions and the more subtle techniques, reflecting that palliative care should be taking care of the whole person (and her/his/their loved ones), not just the disease and its symptoms."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Easing Physical Symptoms: It's Not Just Hospice Anymore with these activities:

Review Biology and Anatomy

Show steps

Review basic biological and anatomical concepts to reinforce your understanding of the human body and its functions.

Browse courses on Biology

Show steps

Review high school biology textbooks or online resources.
Focus on topics such as cell structure, genetics, and human organ systems.

Explore Palliative Care Resources

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with reputable organizations and resources for palliative care information.

Browse courses on Palliative Care

Show steps

Visit the websites of organizations such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) or the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).
Explore online databases and libraries for articles and research on palliative care practices.

Engage in Discussion Forums

Show steps

Connect with peers to share insights, ask questions, and support each other's learning.

Browse courses on Palliative Care

Show steps

Participate in online discussion forums or group chats dedicated to palliative care.
Share your experiences, case studies, or questions with fellow learners.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Identify a Palliative Care Mentor

Show steps

Seek guidance and support from an experienced palliative care professional to enhance your learning and career development.

Browse courses on Palliative Care

Show steps

Attend conferences or workshops related to palliative care and network with potential mentors.
Reach out to healthcare professionals in your community who specialize in palliative care.

Identify common symptoms of serious illness

Show steps

Performing repetitive identification exercises will solidify your understanding of the most prevalent symptoms.

Show steps

Make a list of the most common symptoms of serious illness
For each symptom, describe its underlying cause and potential ways to manage it
Review your list regularly to reinforce your learning

Read 'Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine'

Show steps

Gain in-depth knowledge on the principles and practices of palliative care from a comprehensive textbook authored by experts in the field.

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book and allocate time for reading and studying.
Focus on chapters relevant to the course topics, such as symptom management and communication with patients and families.

Volunteer at a Palliative Care Facility

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the well-being of patients and families in a palliative care setting.

Browse courses on Palliative Care

Show steps

Identify local palliative care organizations or hospices that offer volunteer opportunities.
Inquire about volunteer roles that align with your interests and availability.

Develop a care plan for a patient with multiple symptoms

Show steps

Creating a care plan will provide hands-on practice in applying your knowledge to real-world situations.

Show steps

Gather information about the patient, including their symptoms, medical history, and social situation
Identify the patient's goals and priorities
Develop a plan that addresses the patient's symptoms, goals, and preferences
Monitor the patient's progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed

Write an Essay on a Palliative Care Topic

Show steps

Demonstrate your understanding of a specific aspect of palliative care by writing a well-researched and insightful essay.

Browse courses on Palliative Care

Show steps

Choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to the course.
Conduct research using credible sources such as medical journals, textbooks, and reputable websites.
Develop a clear thesis statement and outline your essay.
Write your essay, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and proper citation of sources.

Career center

Learners who complete Easing Physical Symptoms: It's Not Just Hospice Anymore will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Palliative Care Social Worker

Palliative Care Social Workers provide support to patients and families facing serious illness. They help patients manage their symptoms, communicate with their healthcare team, and make decisions about their care. This course can help Palliative Care Social Workers by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their patients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Palliative Care Social Workers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Palliative Care Social Worker

Hospice Nurse

Hospice Nurses provide care to patients who are terminally ill. They help patients manage their symptoms, provide emotional support, and coordinate their care. This course can help Hospice Nurses by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their patients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Hospice Nurses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hospice Nurse

Palliative Care Physician

Palliative Care Physicians provide medical care to patients who are seriously ill. They help patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and make decisions about their care. This course can help Palliative Care Physicians by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their patients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Palliative Care Physicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Palliative Care Physician

Geriatric Care Manager

Geriatric Care Managers help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging. They provide a range of services, including care coordination, financial management, and emotional support. This course can help Geriatric Care Managers by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Geriatric Care Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geriatric Care Manager

Social Worker

Social Workers provide a range of services to individuals and families, including counseling, advocacy, and case management. This course can help Social Workers by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Social Workers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide a range of nursing care to patients in a variety of settings. This course can help Registered Nurses by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their patients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Registered Nurses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people improve their mobility and function. They work with people who have a variety of conditions, including physical disabilities, injuries, and chronic pain. This course can help Physical Therapists by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Physical Therapists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people improve their ability to perform everyday activities. They work with people who have a variety of conditions, including physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and mental health issues. This course can help Occupational Therapists by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Occupational Therapists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists help people improve their communication skills. They work with people who have a variety of conditions, including speech disorders, language disorders, and cognitive impairments. This course can help Speech-Language Pathologists by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Speech-Language Pathologists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. This course can help Chaplains by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their patients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Chaplains.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chaplain

Counselor

Counselors provide a range of counseling services to individuals and families. This course can help Counselors by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Counselors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates help patients navigate the healthcare system and ensure that they receive the care they need. This course can help Patient Advocates by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively advocate for their clients. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which are all essential for Patient Advocates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patient Advocate

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the operations of healthcare facilities. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators by providing them with a better understanding of the challenges faced by patients and families who are dealing with serious illness. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which can be helpful for Healthcare Administrators in developing policies and procedures that support patients and families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants perform a variety of tasks in a healthcare setting, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, and assisting with patient care. This course may be useful for Medical Assistants by providing them with a better understanding of the symptoms and challenges faced by patients with serious illness. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which can be helpful for Medical Assistants in providing compassionate and effective care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Assistant

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for testing. This course may be useful for Phlebotomists by providing them with a better understanding of the symptoms and challenges faced by patients with serious illness. The course covers topics such as symptom assessment, pain management, and communication skills, which can be helpful for Phlebotomists in providing compassionate and effective care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Phlebotomist