Easing Psycho-Social-Spiritual Concerns Information

Special note on confidentiality. Many of us have had personal experiences with serious illness. You may have been diagnosed with a serious illness or perhaps a family member or friend. They may have benefited from palliative care or could have benefited from it. It will be natural to discuss some of these experiences in your assignments. We will provide detailed cases that will be used for assignments. You will be encouraged to apply what you learn in your life and work. You will be asked to complete part of some assignments with a family member, friend or patient after you have completed a patient simulation . Protect the confidentiality of others by not using real names, or any personal factors that could lead others to identify this person.

In a course like this, topics related to decisions or choices when facing a serious illness or when near life’s end are personal. This is why a module on self-awareness of your own values and beliefs is provided in the third week of this course. Your choices, values, and beliefs will often be different than other people you interact with and your fellow students. It is important to be respectful and engage in constructive dialogue. If there is disruptive or abusive responses to other’s beliefs and values you will be contacted and you may be dismissed as a student.

Quizzes are designed to check your understanding and application of key concepts from the videos. And even though Discussions on the forum are not “required,” please consider doing them! Engaging with others is an important part of personal reflection.

Thank you for taking this course.