Frieda R. Butler RN, MPH, FAAN, PhD.

Purpose and Objectives: This Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) system provides nurses and other health care providers with an educational foundation upon which to build skills in providing end of life care.

Objectives: At the conclusion of the instruction, students will:

1. Acquire a basic foundation of knowledge related to end of life care.
2. Recognize barriers and facilitators to providing appropriate end of life care
3. Develop improved communication skills in discussing end of life care,     including treatment options, palliative and spiritual care, in a culturally     sensitive manner.
4. Begin to apply knowledge and skills in negotiating goals of care and     treatment priorities.

Description of Instructional Modules

End of life care is an important component of health care delivery and has not been addressed sufficiently in the curricula of professional schools and other educational institutions. Many health care providers render health care using the traditional medical model or curative approach. Although some caregivers are accustomed to using a more comprehensive caring model, they tend to pay scant attention to end of life issues. It is apparent that many are uncomfortable communicating with patients on death and dying, the futility of treatment, and issues related to care at the end of life. A lack of adequate skills and knowledge generate fear and anxiety when discussing these issues. This is probably due not only to a lack of proper skills but having to confront one's own mortality as well. Patients and families themselves are not aware that end of life care is, or should be, a part of the total care plan. The instruction utilizes a caring model, and will apply methods and principles used from established research and other sources project. A new paradigm is emerging wherein health care providers must help patients to die as a part of a holistic model of caring for patients.

This system is designed for all areas of Allied Health and may be used at either the upper undergraduate or graduate levels of instruction for traditional, in-service, distance, and continuing education.

The table of contents

Welcome  :   Welcome and Acknowledgements
LESSON 1:   Introduction to End of Life
LESSON 2:   The Multidiscplinary Health Care Team
LESSON 3:   Communication
LESSON 4:   Comprehensive Assessment and Intervention 
LESSON 5:

  Spirituality and Ethical Issues
LESSON 6:   Culturally Sensitive Pallitive Care
LESSON 7:   Advance Directives and Ethical Issues