Alert for students

THIS TOPIC WILL NEXT BE OFFERED IN 2026

Overview

This topic focuses on the knowledge and practice of adolescent and young adult palliative care. Students will be introduced to a range of concepts that inform clinical practice and care across a range of clinical practice settings.

Aims

This topic aims to introduce the students to the concepts and issues pertinent to the care care of adolescents and young adults (AYA). This will be achieved through:

  • Exploration of developmental issues related to the dying adolescent or young adult that inform care 
  • Review of common ethical issues that arise with clinical decision making in the palliative care of adolescents and young adults
  • Critique of age specific factors influencing end-of-life care including symptom management and psychosocial care
  • Examination of grief and loss as it relates to the adolescent or young adult, their families, peers and health professionals

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Describe the developmental issues related to the dying adolescent or young adult within the context of this life stage
2.
Review the common ethical issues associated with palliative care clinical decision making for adolescents and young adults
3.
Examine the common end-of-life illnesses for adolescents and young adults and implications for care transitions between different health care settings
4.
Critique factors associated with clinical end-of-life care for adolescents and young adults including symptom management and psychosocial care
5.
Evaluate grief, loss and bereavement considerations as they relate to the adolescent or young adult, their families, peers and health professionals

Requisites information

Pre-requisites: