Death and Dying: When is Dead Really Dead

Overview

This topic focuses on the clinical aspects of managing the dying process and appropriate communication skills to support it. Students will gain an understanding of the diversity of views on death and dying in contemporary Australia from medical, socio-cultural and personal perspectives.   Modules will explore ethical decision making in end-of-life care, managing the deceased and communicating the complexity of taboos, fears and anxieties around death with patients and families.  Students do not need to have undertaken the Death and Dying Discovery 1 subject to enrol in Death and Dying 2.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of views on death and dying in contemporary Australia from medical, socio-cultural and personal perspectives.
• Incorporate ethical decision making in end-of-life care in partnership with patients and families.
• Discuss both the patient-focused and systemic processes involved in managing the deceased.
• Develop extended communication skills to navigate the complexities of taboos, fears and anxieties around discussing death.

Dates and Times

All MD Discovery 2 topics will be held during a 4-week block to be determined based on topic selection and clinical school availability.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning activities for topics include a mix of synchronous and asynchronous online materials, work integrated activities and independent learning.

In person tutorials and small group communication skills workshops are held in Parkville. Some of these are delivered online for rural students but travel may be required to Parkville.

Assessment

For assessment information, refer to the handbook link for MD Discovery 2: Application.