Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/palliative-care-capstone-project
The Coursera Palliative Care Specialization equips learners with essential knowledge and skills for supporting individuals facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. The culmination of this learning journey is the Palliative Care Capstone Project, an invaluable opportunity to translate theoretical understanding into practical application.
This capstone project is thoughtfully designed to integrate the core concepts covered throughout the specialization. It comprises five distinct activities, each designed to provide hands-on experience in critical areas of palliative care. The overarching theme is to engage with individuals experiencing serious illness, fostering deeper empathy and practical skills.
The project begins with the **Nature of Suffering Capstone Project**. Here, learners utilize the Nature of Suffering Evaluation Form to guide conversations with someone they know who is living with a serious illness. This exercise encourages reflection on how the illness impacts various aspects of the individual’s life, drawing upon video resources that demonstrate effective communication techniques.
Next, the **SNAP and Self-Awareness Capstone Project** delves into the importance of understanding personal values and those of others in the context of health, illness, and end-of-life decisions. This module emphasizes how life experiences and beliefs shape unique perspectives, promoting self-awareness and cultural sensitivity.
The **Easing Pain Capstone Project** tackles the complex nature of pain management. By employing the WILDA tool, learners conduct a pain assessment, learning to identify different types of pain and how to advocate for better pain control and support for individuals experiencing severe pain.
Following this, the **Easing Physical Symptoms Capstone Project** addresses the common physical challenges faced by patients. Using the ESAS tool, learners will perform a physical symptom assessment to identify the most distressing symptoms and understand how to provide relief and improve comfort.
Finally, the **Advance Care Planning Capstone Project** focuses on a crucial aspect of palliative care: ensuring patient wishes are understood and respected. This module guides learners in facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences, treatment decisions, and the designation of a healthcare proxy (MDPOA).
What makes this capstone project particularly effective is its emphasis on real-world engagement. By interacting with friends or family members, learners gain firsthand insights into the lived experiences of those with serious illnesses. This practical approach solidifies learning and builds confidence in applying palliative care principles.
I highly recommend the Palliative Care Capstone Project to anyone who has completed or is nearing completion of the Palliative Care Specialization. It’s an essential step for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practical skills in this vital field. The project not only reinforces learned material but also cultivates a profound sense of empathy and competence in providing compassionate care.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/palliative-care-capstone-project