VCW1113

Palliative Care and Pain Management ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Melinda Brooks

Offered:
Parkville First semester 2006 (OCL)
Parkville Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: The Unit explores the complex issues and challenges associated with non-healing wounds. Students will gain an understanding of palliation, management of odour, exudate and pain management for people with fungating, cancerous wounds, radiation ulcers and non-healing chronic wounds.

Objectives: At the completion of this unit students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the aetiology and physiology of non-healing wounds; 2. Identify the types of wounds that require palliative management; 3. Discuss the palliative care and challenges associated with the management of fungating wounds, cancerous wounds, radiation ulcers and non-healing chronic wounds (pressure and arterial ulcers); 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology of pain in palliative wound care; 5. Demonstrate and understanding of pain assessment techniques in palliative care; 6. Identify the treatment modalities for pain and critically appraise their effectiveness.

Assessment: Two minor assignments (30%), two major assignments (50%), participation in online tutorials (10%)

Prerequisites: VCW1101, VCW1102, VCW1103, VCW1104, VCW1105