PSW059 - Palliative Care

Subject Title
Palliative Care

Subject Description
This subject allows students to discuss the concept of dying. Also students have the opportunity to examine personal beliefs about life-threatening illness, dying and death. Assisting the dying person to maintain a desired lifestyle and respecting her/his right to make decisions with regard to support are discussed. Specific approaches within the scope of the support worker to reduce discomfort/pain and ongoing pain (within the context of a plan of support or care) are also covered.

Credit Status
1 credit towards the Personal Support Worker Program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify their own reactions to life threatening illness, dying and palliation.

2. Recognize the impact of life-threating conditions on the client and his/her family/friends.

3. Understand and discuss the process of dying.

4. Describe the stages of grief.

5. Describe and apply the concept of palliation.

6. Recognize the rights of the client, family member or designated other in decisions regarding consent to treatment, living wills and "Do Not Resuscitate" orders as identified in the care plan.

7. Explain how culture, religion, and age can influence attitudes towards death.

8. Define common discomfort and pain-reducing techniques; use as required in a care plan.

9. Identify the activities required at the time of death, according to agency policy or as outlined in the plan of support/care, specific to agency (community) hospice, instutional and facility care.

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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