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Kavitha Ramchandran,
Joshua C. Fronk,
Manuela Kogon,
and
Jan DeNofrio
This course should be taken after the Essentials of Palliative Care course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support and goals of care. You will learn how to screen, assess, and manage both physical and psychological symptoms. You will explore common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress and learn specific treatments. You will continue to follow Sarah and Tim’s experience and learn cultural competencies critical for optimal symptom management.
Read more
This course should be taken after the Essentials of Palliative Care course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support and goals of care. You will learn how to screen, assess, and manage both physical and psychological symptoms. You will explore common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress and learn specific treatments. You will continue to follow Sarah and Tim’s experience and learn cultural competencies critical for optimal symptom management.
Read more
This course should be taken after the Essentials of Palliative Care course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support and goals of care. You will learn how to screen, assess, and manage both physical and psychological symptoms. You will explore common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress and learn specific treatments. You will continue to follow Sarah and Tim’s experience and learn cultural competencies critical for optimal symptom management.
Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Visit the FAQs below for important information regarding 1) Date of original release and Termination or expiration date; 2) Accreditation and Credit Designation statements; 3) Disclosure of financial relationships for every person in control of activity content.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/e5t3y3/symptom
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Syllabus
Course Introduction and Overview
Regular assessment and management of physical and psychological symptoms is critical to treatment adherence and quality of life for patients. Still, symptoms such as pain, nausea and distress are often under-treated. Palliative care specialists can help when symptoms are difficult to manage. People with a life-threatening diagnosis often experience symptoms that change regularly and may persist as chronic issues throughout life. We discuss common symptoms experienced by people such as pain, nausea and fatigue. Poorly managed symptoms often lead to isolation from regular activities and increased psychological distress. Some patients cite a loss of identity that comes along with life being defined by the experience of symptoms and side effects. In this course, you will learn more about how to identify, assess and manage common physical and psychological symptoms.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Introduction and Overview
Regular assessment and management of physical and psychological symptoms is critical to treatment adherence and quality of life for patients. Still, symptoms such as pain, nausea and distress are often under-treated. Palliative care specialists can help when symptoms are difficult to manage. People with a life-threatening diagnosis often experience symptoms that change regularly and may persist as chronic issues throughout life. We discuss common symptoms experienced by people such as pain, nausea and fatigue. Poorly managed symptoms often lead to isolation from regular activities and increased psychological distress. Some patients cite a loss of identity that comes along with life being defined by the experience of symptoms and side effects. In this course, you will learn more about how to identify, assess and manage common physical and psychological symptoms.
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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches palliative care skills such as communication, psychosocial support, and goals-of-care
Helps healthcare professionals manage physical and psychological symptoms of patients with life-threatening illnesses
Provides cultural competency training for optimal symptom management
Covers common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress
Instructors are recognized for their expertise in palliative care
Uses videos and case studies to illustrate concepts
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Reviews summary
Practical palliative symptom management
According to learners, this course is a highly practical and comprehensive resource for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their palliative care skills. Students particularly praise its actionable strategies for symptom management, covering crucial topics like pain, nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress. The detailed discussions on communication and cultural competency are noted as invaluable. While widely recommended for its clear, comprehensive content and helpful case studies, some experienced professionals found certain sections basic, suggesting it's most impactful for those newer to specialized palliative care or seeking a strong foundation. The peer-reviewed project is seen as a valuable learning component.
The peer-reviewed project is a helpful learning component.
"The peer-reviewed project was a valuable exercise, pushing me to think critically."
"The final project helped consolidate learning."
"The peer review process felt a little inconsistent; some feedback was great, others less so."
Highly beneficial for developing core palliative care skills.
"As a nurse, this greatly enhanced my approach to patient care."
"As a new social worker in palliative care, this course was a godsend. It broke down complex topics into digestible modules."
"Solid course, especially for nurses. The focus on assessment and management techniques is very strong."
Covers a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.
"I particularly appreciated the depth on pain management and emotional distress."
"The detailed discussions on communication and cultural competency were invaluable."
"The content on physical symptoms was comprehensive... Overall, a very useful course for enhancing palliative care skills."
Provides immediately applicable tools for patient care.
"This course was incredibly well-structured and provided practical, actionable strategies for symptom management."
"The practical tools for assessing and managing complex symptoms like nausea and fatigue have already made a difference in my practice."
"This course is essential for anyone involved in palliative care. The practical strategies for managing pain and distress are immediately applicable."
Some found the course pacing slow, desiring more interactivity.
"While the information on symptom management is valuable, the pacing felt a bit slow at times."
"I also wished for more interactive elements beyond the peer review."
"I hoped for more innovative delivery methods."
May feel basic for highly experienced professionals.
"The course has good information, but some parts felt a bit basic for someone with a few years of experience in the field."
"Disappointed with the depth. While the basics are covered, it doesn't offer much beyond what I already know from general practice."
"I was hoping for more advanced strategies, as some sections felt like a rehash of readily available information."
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 Symptom Management in Palliative Care with these
activities:
Review Palliative Care Principles
Show steps
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the underlying principles and essential concepts of palliative care to establish a strong foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Palliative Care
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes from previous coursework or texts on palliative care.
-
Take practice quizzes or complete practice questions related to palliative care concepts.
Read 'Palliative Care: An Essential Guide'
Show steps
Expand your understanding of fundamental principles and practices in palliative care by reading this comprehensive guide, which covers topics such as pain and symptom management, communication skills, and ethical considerations.
View
Practical Management of Pain
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
-
Complete the practice questions or exercises included in the book to test your comprehension.
-
Discuss the book's content with peers or healthcare professionals to reinforce your learning.
Explore Symptom Management Techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of common symptoms experienced by patients, such as pain, nausea, and distress, and explore evidence-based techniques for managing these symptoms effectively.
Browse courses on
Symptom Management
Show steps
-
Follow online tutorials on symptom assessment and management.
-
Review case studies and examples of successful symptom management strategies.
-
Consult with experienced healthcare professionals or seek guidance from online forums.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in Peer Discussion Groups
Show steps
Participate in online discussion groups or forums with fellow learners to share insights, ask questions, and engage in peer-to-peer learning, fostering a deeper understanding of course content.
Show steps
-
Join online discussion forums or study groups related to palliative care.
-
Actively participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing experiences, and providing support to peers.
-
Seek feedback from peers on your understanding of course concepts and practical applications.
Practice Pain Assessment and Management
Show steps
Develop proficiency in pain assessment and management skills through repetitive exercises and simulations. This will enable you to confidently assess and manage pain in patients.
Browse courses on
Pain Assessment
Show steps
-
Use online simulators or case studies to practice pain assessment techniques.
-
Review different pain management strategies and practice applying them in simulated scenarios.
-
Seek feedback from peers or healthcare professionals on your pain assessment and management skills.
Attend Virtual Workshops on Palliative Care
Show steps
Attend virtual workshops or webinars conducted by experts in palliative care to gain practical insights and enhance your knowledge and skills in symptom management.
Browse courses on
Palliative Care
Show steps
-
Identify and register for virtual workshops or webinars on palliative care topics.
-
Actively participate in the workshops, take notes, and ask questions.
-
Engage with other participants and exchange ideas and experiences.
Create a Symptom Management Plan
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive symptom management plan for a hypothetical patient, considering their specific symptoms and needs. This will enhance your ability to apply the principles of palliative care in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Symptom Management
Show steps
-
Gather information on a patient's symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
-
Identify and assess potential interventions for managing the patient's symptoms.
-
Create a personalized symptom management plan that outlines specific actions and goals.
Design a Patient Education Brochure on Symptom Management
Show steps
Create a patient-friendly brochure that provides clear and concise information on symptom management strategies. This will enable you to effectively communicate with patients and assist them in managing their symptoms at home.
Browse courses on
Patient Education
Show steps
-
Research evidence-based patient education materials on symptom management.
-
Design a visually appealing and easy-to-read brochure that includes relevant information and resources.
-
Review the brochure with peers or healthcare professionals to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Review Palliative Care Principles
Show steps
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the underlying principles and essential concepts of palliative care to establish a strong foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Palliative Care
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes from previous coursework or texts on palliative care.
- Take practice quizzes or complete practice questions related to palliative care concepts.
Read 'Palliative Care: An Essential Guide'
Show steps
Expand your understanding of fundamental principles and practices in palliative care by reading this comprehensive guide, which covers topics such as pain and symptom management, communication skills, and ethical considerations.
View
Practical Management of Pain
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
- Complete the practice questions or exercises included in the book to test your comprehension.
- Discuss the book's content with peers or healthcare professionals to reinforce your learning.
Explore Symptom Management Techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of common symptoms experienced by patients, such as pain, nausea, and distress, and explore evidence-based techniques for managing these symptoms effectively.
Browse courses on
Symptom Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow online tutorials on symptom assessment and management.
- Review case studies and examples of successful symptom management strategies.
- Consult with experienced healthcare professionals or seek guidance from online forums.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in Peer Discussion Groups
Show steps
Participate in online discussion groups or forums with fellow learners to share insights, ask questions, and engage in peer-to-peer learning, fostering a deeper understanding of course content.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join online discussion forums or study groups related to palliative care.
- Actively participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing experiences, and providing support to peers.
- Seek feedback from peers on your understanding of course concepts and practical applications.
Practice Pain Assessment and Management
Show steps
Develop proficiency in pain assessment and management skills through repetitive exercises and simulations. This will enable you to confidently assess and manage pain in patients.
Browse courses on
Pain Assessment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use online simulators or case studies to practice pain assessment techniques.
- Review different pain management strategies and practice applying them in simulated scenarios.
- Seek feedback from peers or healthcare professionals on your pain assessment and management skills.
Attend Virtual Workshops on Palliative Care
Show steps
Attend virtual workshops or webinars conducted by experts in palliative care to gain practical insights and enhance your knowledge and skills in symptom management.
Browse courses on
Palliative Care
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for virtual workshops or webinars on palliative care topics.
- Actively participate in the workshops, take notes, and ask questions.
- Engage with other participants and exchange ideas and experiences.
Create a Symptom Management Plan
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive symptom management plan for a hypothetical patient, considering their specific symptoms and needs. This will enhance your ability to apply the principles of palliative care in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Symptom Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information on a patient's symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
- Identify and assess potential interventions for managing the patient's symptoms.
- Create a personalized symptom management plan that outlines specific actions and goals.
Design a Patient Education Brochure on Symptom Management
Show steps
Create a patient-friendly brochure that provides clear and concise information on symptom management strategies. This will enable you to effectively communicate with patients and assist them in managing their symptoms at home.
Browse courses on
Patient Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research evidence-based patient education materials on symptom management.
- Design a visually appealing and easy-to-read brochure that includes relevant information and resources.
- Review the brochure with peers or healthcare professionals to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Career center
Learners who complete Symptom Management in Palliative Care will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Palliative Care Physician
Palliative Care Physician
Palliative Care Physicians specialize in providing medical care to patients with serious illnesses, focusing on symptom management and improving quality of life. This course is highly relevant to Palliative Care Physicians as it provides comprehensive training in symptom assessment and management, including both physical and psychological symptoms. By completing this course, Palliative Care Physicians can expand their knowledge and skills in providing specialized care to their patients.
Geriatric Medical Director
Geriatric Medical Director
Geriatric Medical Directors oversee the medical care of elderly patients in various settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. This course can help Geriatric Medical Directors build upon their primary palliative care skills, such as communication, psychosocial support, and setting goals of care. The course also provides valuable insights into managing common symptoms experienced by elderly patients, such as pain, nausea, and distress. By completing this course, Geriatric Medical Directors can enhance their ability to provide compassionate and effective care to their patients.
Oncology Social Worker
Oncology Social Worker
Oncology Social Workers provide psychosocial support and counseling to cancer patients and their families. This course can be beneficial for Oncology Social Workers as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Oncology Social Workers enhance their ability to support patients and families coping with the challenges of cancer and its treatment.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists play a crucial role in managing symptoms experienced by patients with serious illnesses. This course may be helpful for Pharmacists as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Pharmacists enhance their ability to provide medication-related advice and support to patients and families.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide a wide range of care to patients in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course may be useful for Registered Nurses as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Registered Nurses enhance their ability to provide compassionate and holistic care to patients with serious illnesses.
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and families in healthcare settings. This course may be useful for Chaplains as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Chaplains enhance their ability to provide compassionate and holistic care to patients and families facing serious illnesses.
Grief Counselor
Grief Counselor
Grief Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals and families coping with loss and bereavement. This course may be useful for Grief Counselors as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Grief Counselors enhance their ability to provide compassionate and supportive care to bereaved individuals and families.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers provide counseling and support to individuals and families facing various challenges, including serious illnesses. This course may be useful for Social Workers as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Social Workers enhance their ability to support patients and families coping with the emotional and social challenges of serious illnesses.
Hospice Nurse
Hospice Nurse
Hospice Nurses provide comprehensive care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. This course may be useful for Hospice Nurses as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Hospice Nurses enhance their ability to provide compassionate and holistic care to their patients and families during this challenging time.
Pain Management Specialist
Pain Management Specialist
Pain Management Specialists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. This course may be useful for Pain Management Specialists as it provides a comprehensive overview of pain assessment and management techniques. The course can help Pain Management Specialists stay up-to-date on the latest approaches to pain management and improve their ability to provide effective pain relief to their patients.
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists use massage techniques to promote relaxation and relieve pain. This course may be useful for Massage Therapists as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Massage Therapists enhance their ability to provide complementary care to patients with serious illnesses, helping to improve their comfort and well-being.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to promote healing and well-being. This course may be useful for Music Therapists as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Music Therapists enhance their ability to provide complementary care to patients with serious illnesses, helping to improve their mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Art Therapist
Art Therapist
Art Therapists use art to promote healing and well-being. This course may be useful for Art Therapists as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Art Therapists enhance their ability to provide complementary care to patients with serious illnesses, helping to improve their self-expression, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help patients regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities. This course may be useful for Occupational Therapists as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Occupational Therapists enhance their ability to provide supportive care to patients with serious illnesses, helping them to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help patients improve their mobility and physical function. This course may be useful for Physical Therapists as it provides a foundation in palliative care, including symptom management and communication skills. The course can help Physical Therapists enhance their ability to provide supportive care to patients with serious illnesses, helping them to maintain their mobility and improve their quality of life.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/e5t3y3/symptom
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Symptom Management in Palliative Care.
Save
Provides a personal perspective on dying well, including symptom management, communication skills, and ethical considerations. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about palliative care.
This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed overview of palliative care nursing, including symptom management, communication skills, and ethical considerations. It valuable resource for nurses working in palliative care.
Provides a personal perspective on dying well, including symptom management, communication skills, and ethical considerations. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about palliative care.
Save
Provides a personal account of the author's experience with dying. It valuable resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals who are facing end-of-life care.
Save
Provides a personal account of the author's experience with grief. It valuable resource for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the grieving process for caregivers. It valuable resource for anyone who is caring for a loved one who is grieving.
This pocketbook provides a concise overview of palliative care, including symptom management, communication skills, and ethical considerations. It useful resource for healthcare professionals working in palliative care.
Provides a practical guide to communication in palliative care. It valuable resource for clinicians, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals working in palliative care settings.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/e5t3y3/symptom
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Effort
6 weeks, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
Kavitha Ramchandran
Joshua C. Fronk
Manuela Kogon
Jan DeNofrio
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Palliative Care Always. It's comprised of five courses:
- Essentials of Palliative Care
- Palliative Care Always Capstone Course
- Symptom Management in Palliative Care (viewing)
- Supporting Families and Caregivers
- Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice
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