The NICE guidelines (2004) and the End of Life Care Strategy (2008) highlight the importance of emotional, social and psychological well-being for patients with a life-limiting illness and their families.  At the same time they acknowledge a lack of training opportunities and identify the need for education in psychosocial care to ensure an improved experience at the end of life.

This series of five study days looks at:

Defining Psychosocial Care (day 1)
30th September 2010

• recognising the components of psychosocial care
• discussing the importance of context when providing psychosocial care
• establishing your current strengths in this area of practice

Communication in Psychosocial Care (day 2)
21st October 2010

• discussing the importance of good communication in psychosocial care
• identifying barriers to effective communication
• exploring strategies to manage difficult communication in a psychosocial context

Exploring Core Conditions (day 3)
11th November 2010

• discussing the meaning of empathy
• identifying what you currently do that is empathic
• describing unconditional positive regard as a concept
• recognising the value of congruence in psychosocial care

Managing Difficult Situations in a Psychosocial Context
(day 4)
25th November 2010

• awareness of the notion of family systems
• identifying hidden agendas in the professional-client relationship
• exploring key aspects of transactional analysis in a psychosocial context
• demonstrating strategies for dealing with difficult situations

Professional Boundaries in Psychosocial Care (day 5)
9th December 2010

• discussing the notion of professional boundaries
• knowing how to establish appropriate boundaries
• explaining proximity in relation to setting professional boundaries

This course is suitable for nurses and allied healthcare professionals in a hospice setting who would like to provide the best possible end of life experience for patients by developing their skills in effective psychosocial care.

Each day runs from  9.30am to 4.30pm at St Catherine’s Education Centre.

Each 5 day course costs £350-00 ~ includes handouts, refreshments and lunch ~ however,  it is possible to book individual study days at £75-00 per day.