Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Care Professionals

The module will examine and provide students with an understanding of the psychology of patients and their carers (formal and informal). The modules aim to support students in distinguishing the defence mechanisms that develop and why these occur, and in handling intra-family conflicts during illness as well as to learn about the problems of the patient and their family during the diagnostic period of an illness, the period of diagnosis of a disease, the period of inpatient hospitalisation, the period of recovery and care of the patient at home. In addition, it aims to present theories concerning health and wellness, theories of disease management and theoretical frameworks for understanding and conceptualising emotions and problems of patients and family members when a spouse, parent or child is ill.

The module comprises of the following 6 sessions.

1. Introduction to Health Psychology
2.  Patient Psychology: Understanding Reactions to Illness, Coping Mechanisms, and Cultural Considerations
3. Family Dynamics and Health
4. Communication Skills in Healthcare
5.  Stress Management and Self-Care for Healthcare Professionals
6.  Cultural Competency in Healthcare

Hours of Total Learning for this module:

• Contact Hours: 27
• Self-Study Hours: 84
• Assessment Hours: 14
• Total Learning Hours: 125

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

1. Apply Communication techniques and recognise advantages and constraints.
2. Able to disclose “bad news” and to plan and deal with patient’s and caregiver’s reaction(s).
3. Design and provide psychological support in processing suffering.
4. Construct and create narratives based on medical and nursing humanities.
5. Implement and utilise the biopsychosocial model in helping relationships.

Each module will be assessed based on the following components:

1. Quality of Contributions in Forums: 20%
   • Evaluation of participation and the quality of insights shared in online discussion forums.
2. Quality of Contributions in Tutorials: 20%
   • Assessment of engagement and contributions during tutorial sessions.
3. Assignment/Case Study: 60%
   • Completion and quality of assignments that demonstrate understanding and application of the course material.

Passing Criteria:

• Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the three components to pass each module.

Scholarship Schemes for Maltese residents:

• MySkills Scheme: Malta residents are eligible for up to 80% reimbursement, capped at €5,000, subject to eligibility criteria. International students would be able to apply for the MySkills Scheme once they obtain their Student Temporary Residence Card (TRC). (For individual modules only)
• Get Qualified Scheme ( Scheme available for Maltese residents ) – 70% refund of course fee as a tax rebate