Symptom Management in Palliative Care from Coursera

What's inside

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.

Review of Palliative Care

This module reviews the concepts learned in the Essentials of Palliative Care course and a brief summary of the symptoms covered in the Symptom Management course. We realize that some learners are interested in only completing specific courses while others are moving through the entire specialization. The following videos are meant as a review for those who have not completed the other courses. You are not required to watch these videos if you feel you have a strong handle on the material. You can check your knowledge with the ungraded quiz in the next section and review the summary videos if necessary. Also contained in this module are the Sarah case study videos from Essentials of Palliative Care for those who want to review her story.

Pain

This module focuses on pain assessment and management for patients suffering from serious illness. We will also address how pain is subjective and why communication is critical to get a better understanding of a patient's experience.

Other Physical Symptoms

In this module, you will learn more about how to identify, assess and manage common physical symptoms that affect patients with serious illnesses.

Distress

Emotional distress is common for patients and families living with a serious illness. Distress may surface as a result of, among other things: physical symptoms, fears, uncertainty, or a sense of losing one’s identity. Palliative care, in part, addresses the relationship between disease, stress, social roles and emotional manifestations to improve quality of life for patients and families. Often times this involves managing the emotional adjustment to a diagnosis or at other transition points during the course of disease and survivorship. Patients report that emotional wellbeing is one of the biggest influencers on quality of life. Still, emotional distress is often underreported and under treated. This module will help providers and caregivers conduct a basic screening and assessment for emotional distress and identify several ways to manage distress for those living with serious illness.

Final Steps

Congratulations on completing the course content. You have a few more step to complete the course. First review your reflection, next complete a peer-reviewed course project and then take the final exam. We hope you have enjoyed the course and look forward to seeing you in other classes!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Palliative patient care insights

Learners say this course in symptom management for palliative care focuses on patient-provider communication. Role-playing and case studies throughout the learning experience help bring theory into real-world perspective. Students also note the course to be thorough and engaging.

Focus on patient-provider communication

"The whole course was mostly focused on patient-provider communication"

Engaging and practical

"The use of cases makes it easy to comprehend how to actually work with the patients"

Excessively time consuming

"My gosh! The peer review is taking forever and I have to grade 3 people for every course"

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

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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

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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'

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Engage in Peer Discussion Groups

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Palliative Care Physician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geriatric Medical Director

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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