VCW1113 - Palliative care and pain management

Leader: Melinda Brooks

Offered

Parkville Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This 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%), major assignment(60%), participation in online tutorials (10%)

Prerequisites

VCW1101, VCW1102, VCW1103, VCW1104, VCW1105