Needs of the Dying Course

Needs of the Dying Course is organized by The American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP), Inc..

Course Information:
This comprehensive course provides for an in depth journey into the major needs of the dying. The course material provides a very practical approach to this subject matter and leads students to a great awareness of what the dying really do need and want. This course is foundational for anyone who will be working with dying patients. Many issues and needs of the dying are examined with a focus on actual experiences with the dying. Students will examine and learn how to communicate more effectively with the dying. Needed skill sets will be examined, such as active listening and the development of compassionate communications. Students will also examine the physical and emotional experiences of the dying facing different life-challenging illnesses. The physiology of death is also examined. Issues of spirituality are presented with an emphasis on such needs of the dying. By studying the needs of the dying, students grow in awareness of how they may best provide supportive care at the time of life's transition stage. The role of the pastoral thanatologist in providing compassionate care becomes more real. Course Code: PT 450. Contact hours of education = 40 hours.

Course Objectives: 
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Discuss society’s perceptions of death and dying.
• Understand dying from the dying person’s perspective.
• Discuss issues related to hope.
• Explore and discuss the need of the dying to be listened to.
• Discuss and share personal perspectives on death and dying.
• Discuss the needs of the dying related to participating in decision making.
• Discuss issues related to emotional expressions by the dying.
• Define the major needs of dying patients.
• Discuss society’s fear of death.
• Define and discuss issues of participatory decision making.
• Understand and discuss the physiology of pain.
• Understand and discuss the psychology of pain.
• Define and discuss major issues of spirituality in dying.
• Define and discuss major issues related to dying children.
• Define the physiology of death.
• Discuss the issue of dying alone.
• Identify major pastoral interventions to assist the dying with grace and dignity.
• Identify major pastoral interventions for dealing with emotions of the dying.
• Begin to conceptualize the role of the professional pastoral thanatologist.

Course Content:
• Issues in death and dying.
• The major needs of the dying
• Truths about death and dying.
• Listening to the dying.
• Hope for the dying.
• Images of life.
• The dignity of life.
• How to talk to the dying.
• Relationship issues.
• Cancer patients.
• Expressing emotions.
• Decision making.
• Physiology of Pain.
• Emotions of Pain.
• Spirituality and Dying.
• Children and Dying.
• Physiology of Death.
• The body and dying.