SYLLABUS
College of Medicine
AY 2015-2016
Course title and number
Term (e.g., Fall 200X)
Meeting times and location
IMED 886-00T Inpatient Palliative Medicine
Offered Year Round - 2 or 4 weeks – 2 students
6th floor, Brindley Circles, Room 663, 2401 S. 31 - Temple, TX
Course Description and Prerequisites
The faculty will strive to teach communication skills, expert symptom management and interdisciplinary
team work with a social worker and chaplain on an inpatient Palliative Care Service. Regardless of our
eventual area of expertise, each of us will take care of patients with major symptoms of disease and the
associated emotional and spiritual reactions. Research has shown that although we have accomplished
major technical expertise over the last few decades, until recently very little educational effort has been
spent on communication skills, professionalism and aggressive symptom management. This course will
be helpful for all those that deal with sensitive patient and family issues, regardless of specialty. It will
also encourage the student to care for themselves that they may have the energy and strength to care
for others.
Instructor Information
Elective Director
Michael Nash, M.D.
Name
254-724-6859
Telephone number
mnash@sw.org
Email address
By appointment
Office hours
Coordinator
Martha Chandler
Name
254-724-2607
Telephone number
mschandler@sw.org
Email address
By appointmnt
Office hours
Office location
Office location
Learning Outcomes & Objectives
COM Competency Based Learning Objectives: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/academicaffairs/curriculum/objectives/
Principles and Guidelines for Curriculum Development:
http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/policies/pdf/curriculum-principles-guidelines.pdf
Course Objective:
1. Empathetically, skillfully give
bad news to a patient/family
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
COM Competency
Based Learning
Objectives
(CBLO):
PROF1:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
legal and ethical
principles
governing the
Taught (T)
and/or
Evaluated (E):
Evaluation:
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
2. Understand and articulate the
importance of goal directed
care
3. Demonstrate excellent habits
around consultation etiquette
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
physician-patient
relationship
PROF3: Act in the
patient's best
interest and serve
as a patient
advocate
ICS1:
Demonstrate
effective listening
skills
ICS2: Discuss
diagnostic and
treatment options
in a manner
comprehensible
to the patient
ICS3:
Communicate
effectively with
patients, patients'
family members,
peers, and other
members of the
health care team
ICS4: Educate
patients, patients'
family members,
peers, and other
members of the
health care team
at an appropriate
level using
appropriate
technologies
PROF6: Work
with other health
professionals in a
collaborative
fashion
PROF1:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
legal and ethical
principles
governing the
physician-patient
relationship
PROF2: Display
honesty, integrity
and ethical
behavior
PROF3: Act in the
patient's best
interest and serve
as a patient
advocate
Taught AND
Evaluated
Taught AND
Evaluated
Taught AND
Evaluated
Choose an item
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
4. Demonstrate skill at pain
management and
understanding for
equianalgesic dosing of opioids
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
PROF4: Treat
patients and
patients' family
members
respectfully and
compassionately,
regardless of age,
disability, gender,
race, ethnicity,
culture, religion,
sexual preference,
and socioeconomic status
PROF6: Work
with other health
professionals in a
collaborative
fashion
MK1:
Demonstrate
knowledge of
normal human
structure and
function at the
organ-system,
tissue, cellular
and molecular
level; and of the
interaction of
human systems in
maintaining
homeostasis
MK2: Describe
the basic
mechanisms
involved in the
causation of
human disease
and their
influence on
clinical
presentation and
therapy
MK3:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
how healthy
lifestyles,
psychosocial
factors, and
behavioral factors
influence heath
MK4: Apply
evidenced-based
methods to
clinical problem
solving
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Choose an item
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
5. Integrate pain and other
symptom management
recommendations for a variety
of illnesses
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
PC1: Obtain both
complete and
system-focused
medical histories
that include
psychosocial and
behavioral
determinants of
health
PC2: Perform
both complete
and systemfocused physical
examinations
PC3: Develop
appropriate
differential
diagnoses by
integrating
collected clinical
information
PC5: Interpret the
results of
commonly used
laboratory and
radiologic studies
PC8:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
the principles
involved in the
care of patients
across the
spectrum of the
human life cycle
PC11: Assist in
the provision of
appropriate endof-life care within
a multidisciplinary
team
PC15: Formulate
preventive,
curative,
rehabilitative, and
palliative
therapeutic
strategies for
common
disorders
PC1: Obtain both
complete and
system-focused
medical histories
that include
psychosocial and
behavioral
determinants of
health
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Choose an item
PC2: Perform
both complete
and systemfocused physical
examinations
PC3: Develop
appropriate
differential
diagnoses by
integrating
collected clinical
information
PC5: Interpret the
results of
commonly used
laboratory and
radiologic studies
PC8:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
the principles
involved in the
care of patients
across the
spectrum of the
human life cycle
PC11: Assist in
the provision of
appropriate endof-life care within
a multidisciplinary
team
PC15: Formulate
preventive,
curative,
rehabilitative, and
palliative
therapeutic
strategies for
common
disorders
PROF1:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
legal and ethical
principles
governing the
physician-patient
relationship
PROF3: Act in the
patient's best
interest and serve
as a patient
advocate
PROF4: Treat
patients and
patients' family
members
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
Choose an item
Taught AND
Evaluated
Choose an item
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
6. Understand and utilize the
power of prognostication for the
consulting team and for the
patient/family
Click here to enter text.
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
respectfully and
compassionately,
regardless of age,
disability, gender,
race, ethnicity,
culture, religion,
sexual preference,
and socioeconomic status
PROF6: Work
with other health
professionals in a
collaborative
fashion
ICS1:
Demonstrate
effective listening
skills
ICS2: Discuss
diagnostic and
treatment options
in a manner
comprehensible
to the patient
ICS4: Educate
patients, patients'
family members,
peers, and other
members of the
health care team
at an appropriate
level using
appropriate
technologies
PROF1:
Demonstrate an
understanding of
legal and ethical
principles
governing the
physician-patient
relationship
PROF3: Act in the
patient's best
interest and serve
as a patient
advocate
PROF4: Treat
patients and
patients' family
members
respectfully and
compassionately,
regardless of age,
disability, gender,
race, ethnicity,
culture, religion,
sexual preference,
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Taught AND
Evaluated
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
and socioeconomic status
PROF6: Work
with other health
professionals in a
collaborative
fashion
Choose an item
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Choose an item
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Taught AND
Evaluated
Choose an item
Choose an item
Choose an item
Clinical
Performance
Rating/Checklist
Choose an item
Choose an item
Choose an item
Textbook and/or Resource Material
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine Fourth edition in library
End of Life/Palliative Care Education Resource Center (Fast Facts) on line
EPEC (Education in Palliative and End of Life Care) course on line
Journal of Palliative Medicine from the S&W Library
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management from the S&W Library
Articles from the Palliative Team Library provided
Grading Policies
GRADING SCALE
Satisfactory
70-100
Unsatisfactory
69 and below
Should the course director determine remediation is required, the remediation plan will be at the
discretion of the course director and on a case by case basis depending on the issues involved.
Remediation plans could entail some (or all) of the following examples: Additional clinical shifts,
research papers, presentations, article reviews, exams, directed reading, web-based modules, etc. If the
student performance results in a failure of the elective, it will be recommended that the elective be taken
again in its entirety.
Attendance and Make-up Policies
The Department of Internal Medicine adheres to attendance policies and duty hours as set forth in the
College of Medicine Student Handbook, http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07 In the case of personal
illness, critical illness within your immediate family, family death, or other circumstances where you will
not be able to participate in required activities, you must contact the Internal Medicine Medical Education
Coordinator and contact the attending Faculty. Students who miss more than 20% of a 4 th year elective
for any reason (2 weekdays during a two-week rotation or 4 weekdays during a 4-week rotation), will
require a remediation plan. The Course Director will consider student attendance and remediation if the
student is requesting extended time off during interview season.
Course Topics, Calendar of Activities, Major Assignment Dates
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Under the supervision of senior staff, the student will have responsibility for the evaluation of
inpatients for which palliative medicine consultations have been requested. Owing to the unique
and sensitive nature of palliative medicine services, patients will typically be seen as a member
to the palliative care team, as opposed to the traditional model of hierarchal medical teams.
One-on-one staff discussions about WHO pain scale, equianalgesic dosing of narcotics and how
to appropriately transition opioids in various settings
Selected reading assignments with discussion of findings regarding pain, artificial nutrition and
hydration and appropriate withdrawal of care (and others)
Review and discuss Center to Advance Palliative Care website for advanced directive
discussion recommendations.
Participate in weekly Interdisciplinary Team meetings
Attend Remembrance and Renewal weekly meeting
Pick a topic of interest and develop a 5 minute presentation/discussion on the topic
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation
requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for
reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an
accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For
additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu
Any student with a disability who needs accommodation should inform the instructor at the beginning of
the course.
Academic Integrity
For additional information please visit: http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu
“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.”
College of Medicine
Professionalism and integrity Statement (Academic Honesty and Plagiarism)
All College of Medicine students are required to comply with the student code of conduct and the academic integrity and
honesty standards published in each component’s Student Handbook. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with
the policies of each component. Students found guilty of Academic Dishonesty will receive an “F”/Unsatisfactory in the
course. For a full list of actions qualifying as academic dishonesty, please review the College of Medicine Student
Handbook at http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/student-affairs/docs/handbook.pdf.
According to the Aggie Honor System Office, plagiarism is defined as the appropriation of another person's ideas,
processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. Intentionally, knowingly, or carelessly presenting the work of
another as one’s own (i.e., without crediting the author or creator). Plagiarism and other academic misconduct definitions
can be viewed on the Aggie Honor System Office website;
http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/RulesAndProcedures/HonorSystemRules.aspx#definitions.
E-mail Access and FERPA
The College of Medicine is communicating all official information to students through the students’ TAMHSC e-mail
accounts. Please check the account frequently during the semester for updates.
This course is supported with web-based and/or e-mail activities. In order to take advantage of these additional resources
and participate fully in the course, you have been assigned an e-mail address by the Texas A&M Health Science Center.
This e-mail address is for internal use only, so that faculty may communicate with you and the entire class. By registering
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____
for this course, you are agreeing to allow your classmates to have access to this e-mail address. Should you have any
questions, please contact the TAMU’s Office of the Registrar at 979-845-1031.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), which the HSC complies fully, is intended to protect the
privacy of education records, to establish the rights of students to inspect and review their education records and to
provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also
have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office of the Department of Education
in Washington, D.C., concerning alleged failures by the HSC to comply with the act.
Mistreatment of Students
The College of Medicine is committed to providing a positive learning environment in which students can meet their
academic goals based on mutual respect in the teacher/learner relationship. Both parties must be sensitive to the needs
of others and differences in gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. As outlined in the Student
Handbook under the section titled Standards of Conduct in the Teacher-Learner Relationship, belittlement, intimidation
and humiliation are unacceptable for effective learning and undermine self-esteem. Breaches involving student
mistreatment may result in a faculty or staff member being sanctioned or the loss of faculty and/or staff appointment.
These policies address student mistreatment involving College of Medicine employees, residents, affiliate staff, or
patients. Mistreatment may be reported through the College of Medicine telephone hotline, 1(855)-397-9835 or through
an online form at http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/current/student-mistreatment-form.html. For a full list of reporting avenues,
please refer to the Student Handbook under the Mistreatment Policy.
Exposure and Occupational Hazard
The Needle Stick Policy and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure information for Medical Students may be accessed in the
Student Handbook at: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/student-affairs/docs/handbook.pdf
Note: More information is available on the aforementioned topics to all students on the College of Medicine website.
Date Created/Revised: _____ By: _____