ΠΕΡΙΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΜΑΘΗΜΑΤΟΣ

The aim of the module is to raise students’ awareness of the nature of the therapeutic relationship and the importance of effective communication between patients and health professionals, as well as to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that will contribute to the effective approach and support of patients and their families in the various phases of illness.

• Adapting to new situations.
• Decision-making.
• Working independently.
• Team work.
• Project planning and management.
• Respect for difference and multiculturalism.
• Showing social, professional and ethical responsibility and sensitivity to gender issues.
• Criticism and self-criticism.
• Working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Production of free, creative and inductive thinking.

• Theoretical models of communication: Definitions, concepts and basic principles.
• The usefulness of counseling to health professionals.
• Theories of nursing and counseling psychology. Nursing roles: Counseling in health prevention/promotion and disease control.
• Active listening skills for effective nurse-patient communication.
• Patient approach: the first encounter, key elements of professional appearance and behavior.
• Communication skills to understand the patient’s subjective experience.
• Specialized counseling and communication issues:
  • intercultural specificities of patients,
  • communication with different age groups,
  • managing ‘difficult’ emotions and reactions of patients and relatives,
  • outreach to families seeking organ donation.
• The theory of Transactional Analysis and its usefulness in communicating with colleagues, patients, etc.
• Communicating unpleasant news to the patient and family.
• The “care” of the health care professional. Burnout, supervision and support.