ΒΙΗII615: Palliative Care and Geriatrics Ethics

The module Palliative Care and Geriatrics Ethics aims at a critical understanding of the ethical, clinical, social and institutional dimensions of the care of persons living with serious, chronic, life-threatening or progressively deteriorating illness, as well as of elderly individuals with complex health and care needs. The module approaches palliative care not exclusively as end-of-life care but as a comprehensive, person-centred and interdisciplinary approach aimed at the relief of pain and suffering, the improvement of quality of life and the support of the patient and their family. Within the framework of the module, core issues are examined such as the assessment and management of pain and symptoms, the psychosocial and spiritual dimension of care, communication with the patient and their loved ones, end-of-life decision-making, respect for autonomy, consent, advance directives, the proportionality of therapeutic interventions and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the withdrawal or withholding of treatment. Particular emphasis is placed on the care of the elderly (geriatric care), with reference to ageing, frailty, dementia, multimorbidity, care dependency, loneliness, loss of functionality and the need for coordinated healthcare and social support. The module highlights the significance of human dignity, justice, equality of access, non-abandonment of the patient and care as an ethical relationship. In parallel, the role of healthcare professionals, carers, the family and institutions in the provision of palliative and geriatric care is examined. The objective is for students to understand the contemporary international principles of holistic and person-centred care, to develop ethical sensitivity towards illness, ageing, dependency and the end of life, and to be able to critically analyse the bioethical dilemmas that arise in environments caring for elderly and seriously ill persons.