General provisions

The course consists of theoretical studies and is included in the specialist nursing programme with focus on oncology care 60 credits.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of the course Specific nursing with a specialisation in psychosocial oncology care l.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will be able to Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate advanced knowledge in communication skills and communication methodology
• describe and specify the meaning of psychosocial attitude, psychosocial problems and psychosexual problems
• describe psychosocial problems associated with genetic counselling
• describe and specify methods for quitting smoking and antidotal treatment for smokers
• describe and specify methods and strategies for evidence-based interventions at psychosocial problems
• describe the roles of various professions in psychosocial work in oncology care

Skills and ability

• independently plan and conduct an interview/talks with a patient with cancer

Judgement and approach

• independently analyse the interview/the talk concerning the content and review the own achievement in the talk critically.
• reflect upon own attitude from the viewpoint of empathy, listening, respect and professionalism

Content

Communication skills and communication methodology

Empathy and psychosocial approach

Psychosocial problems

Psychosocial interventions

Research and development in psychosocial oncology care/nursing

Psychosocial aspects on genetic counselling

Psychosexual problems

Smoking and quitting smoking and antidotal treatment for smokers

Instruction

Lectures, role plays, communication exercises and seminars. Web-based teaching and discussion. Learning tasks with focus on clinical activities.

COMPULSORY PARTS

Introduction to course, scheduled group meetings, seminars, study assignments with written and oral presentation.

Assessment

Examination of the objectives of the course is continuous throughout the course in the form of oral and written assignments - the examinations individually and in groups. At examination in groups the student shall participate actively with knowledge and reflection.

Passing the course requires:

• passed report
• passed presentation of the report at the examination seminar
• passed active participation in role play and communication exercises
• passed active participation in web-based discussion forum

Other directives

A student who has failed examination may retake the examination four times (= total five examinations). After five failed examinations, the student may lose his guaranteed place in the education. The undergraduate education committee however may, if special circumstances apply, admit the right to additional examination. Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called "blank" exam is counted as examination.

In accordance with chapter 6, sections 21-22 in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student has the right on request to change examiner after two failed examinations.