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Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice

This course should be taken after the Symptom Management course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support, goals of care, and symptom management. You will explore transitions in care such as survivorship and hospice. You will learn how to create a survivorship care plan and how to best support a patient. The course also covers spiritual care and will teach you how to screen for spiritual distress. Finally, you will learn the requirements for hospice care and practice discussions difficult conversations related to end-of-life care.

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction and Overview

Welcome to Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice, the third course in the Palliative Care Always specialization. This course focuses on the major changes that occur during the care continuum and how these changes impact the patient. This module will provide you with information on the course structure and first steps.

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Develops knowledge of survivorship care plans, which are important for patient wellness and next steps after a serious illness or cancer diagnosis

Examines how spirituality impacts well-being and introduces techniques to support spiritual care in healthcare settings, where such concerns are often overlooked

Provides guidance on when and how to initiate discussions about hospice care, a critical but often neglected aspect of palliative care

Taught by Kavitha Ramchandran and Jan DeNofrio, who are recognized educators and practitioners in palliative care

Offers a comprehensive understanding of the transitions in care that occur throughout the illness trajectory, providing a holistic approach to patient support

Requires prerequisite knowledge in palliative care principles, potentially limiting accessibility for learners without a foundation in this field

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Reviews summary

Palliative care transitions: survivorship to hospice

According to learners, this course is a highly valuable resource for healthcare professionals, offering practical insights into transitions in care from survivorship to hospice. Students particularly praised its comprehensive coverage of communication skills for difficult conversations and the deeply moving module on spiritual care. The inclusion of real-world examples, such as a hospice home visit video, was frequently highlighted as an impactful learning experience. While some found the pace occasionally slow or noted review content from previous courses, the consensus is that it significantly enhances one's ability to provide compassionate end-of-life support. This course is seen as essential for developing primary palliative care skills.

Some content reviews prior courses; pace may vary.

"Some parts felt like a review if you've done the previous courses, but that's understandable."

"While the content was relevant, I found the pace a bit slow at times, especially in the early review modules."

"I would advise anyone considering this course to have a strong handle on the prerequisites to avoid repetition."

Features compelling real-life patient care scenarios.

"Dr. Ellen Brown's hospice home visit video was a standout and truly brought the concepts to life."

"The course felt highly relevant to current clinical practice due to its practical case studies and discussions."

"I appreciated the real-world application examples provided throughout the modules; they made the material tangible."

Provides compassionate guidance on sensitive topics.

"Excellent course! The content on spiritual distress and hope was deeply moving and practical."

"The most impactful part was learning how to screen for spiritual distress and fostering hope."

"It tackles difficult subjects with grace and provides actionable strategies for end-of-life care."

Offers actionable strategies for real-world patient care.

"This course provided invaluable insights into hospice care and spiritual support. The discussions on difficult conversations were particularly helpful."

"As a nurse, this course significantly enhanced my ability to support patients and families through end-of-life transitions. The practical tips were excellent."

"I found myself immediately applying the strategies and tools learned in the course to my daily professional practice."

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 Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice with these activities:

Join a study group or connect with other students

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Enhance your learning through collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing.

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Find a study partner or group.
Schedule regular meetings.
Discuss course material, share insights, and support each other.

Test your knowledge through practice quizzes

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Test your understanding of the concepts covered in each module with frequent practice quizzes.

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Access the practice quizzes available online.
Attempt the quizzes regularly.
Review your answers and learn from your mistakes.

Offer support to fellow learners

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Deepen your understanding by explaining concepts to others and providing assistance.

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Join online discussion forums.
Answer questions and share your insights.
Offer support and encouragement.

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Explore online resources for further learning

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Expand your knowledge and skills by accessing additional resources that complement the course material.

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Search for online tutorials and articles.
Follow step-by-step instructions.
Apply what you learn to your assignments.

Develop a self-care plan

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Enhance your ability to manage your own health and well-being by creating a personalized self-care plan.

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Identify your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Research and incorporate evidence-based practices.
Create a written plan that outlines your strategies.

Share your understanding through blog posts or articles

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Solidify your learning by creating written content that explains course concepts to others.

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Choose a topic related to the course material.
Research and gather information.
Write a well-structured blog post or article.

Career center

Learners who complete Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse

In your role as a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, you will play a vital part in supporting patients and their families during challenging end-of-life transitions. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to provide compassionate care to patients, supporting them through various stages of illness and helping them achieve a peaceful and dignified end of life.

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Hospice Social Worker

Hospice Social Workers provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families during end-of-life care. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will help you develop the skills needed to assess the psychosocial needs of patients and families, provide counseling and support, and connect them with community resources.

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Spiritual Care Provider

Spiritual Care Providers offer spiritual support and guidance to individuals facing serious illness and end-of-life issues. This course will equip you with the understanding of spirituality, spiritual distress, and the tools to effectively address spiritual concerns, providing comfort and support to patients and their loved ones during challenging times.

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Palliative Care Physician

Palliative Care Physicians specialize in providing comprehensive care to patients with serious illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life and relieving suffering. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will complement your medical knowledge by equipping you with the skills to manage symptoms, communicate effectively with patients and families, and support decision-making regarding end-of-life care.

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Grief Counselor

Grief Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will enhance your understanding of the grieving process and provide you with practical tools to help clients cope with their emotions and adjust to life after loss.

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Bereavement Coordinator

Bereavement Coordinators support families who have lost a loved one, providing practical and emotional assistance during their time of grief. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will equip you with the skills to create and implement bereavement programs, facilitate support groups, and provide resources to grieving families.

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Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates represent and support patients' rights and interests throughout their healthcare journey. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will enhance your understanding of healthcare systems and provide you with the skills to effectively navigate end-of-life care decisions and support patients' choices.

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Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual care and support to individuals in various settings, including hospitals and hospice centers. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will deepen your understanding of spirituality and equip you with the skills to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, addressing their spiritual needs and offering comfort during challenging times.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to support the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of individuals. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will provide you with insights into the role of music in end-of-life care and equip you with the skills to use music to provide comfort, reduce stress, and facilitate self-expression for patients and their loved ones.

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Art Therapist

Art Therapists use art to help individuals explore their emotions, improve communication, and cope with challenges. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will provide you with a foundation in art therapy and its applications in end-of-life care, enabling you to use art to facilitate healing, self-expression, and connection for patients and their families.

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Massage Therapist

Massage Therapists use touch and massage techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and relieve pain. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course will equip you with the skills to provide massage therapy in end-of-life care settings, offering comfort, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation for patients and their loved ones.

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Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists use acupuncture to promote physical and emotional well-being by stimulating specific points on the body. While not a substitute for medical care, acupuncture may be helpful in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients receiving end-of-life care. This course may provide you with a foundation in acupuncture and its potential applications in this field.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructors guide individuals through yoga poses and breathing exercises to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course may provide you with some insights into the benefits of yoga in end-of-life care, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and promoting relaxation for patients and their loved ones.

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Meditation Teacher

Meditation Teachers guide individuals through meditation practices to promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course may offer some insights into the benefits of meditation in end-of-life care, such as reducing anxiety, improving mood, and promoting a sense of well-being for patients and their loved ones.

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Tai Chi Instructor

Tai Chi Instructors guide individuals through gentle movements and exercises to promote balance, coordination, and overall well-being. The Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice course may provide some insights into the benefits of Tai Chi in end-of-life care, such as improving mobility, reducing pain, and promoting relaxation for patients and their loved ones.

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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 Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice.

Living Through Loss

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A practical guide to palliative care nursing, covering topics such as pain management, symptom management, and spiritual care. is written for nurses working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospice, and home care.

Living Through Loss: Interventions Across the Life...

Kindle Edition

Evidence-Based Practice of Palliative Medicine

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The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine stands alone as the most comprehensive and scientifically rigorous textbook on the subject, providing an in-depth analysis of the current state of palliative medicine. However, it may be beyond the reading level of audiences who are new to Palliative Care.

Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Palliative care transitions: survivorship to hospice

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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