Interdisciplinary Studies

IDST6100Psychosocial Oncology: Introduction to Theory and Practice3 ch
This elective course provides graduate students in 5 core disciplines (medicine, nursing, psychology, social work and spiritual care), with an opportunity to develop an introductory understanding of the field of psychosocial oncology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and interpreting the experience of cancer informed by theory, evidence and illness narratives. Case based learning in small interprofessional groups will allow students to explore a variety of key learning themes relevant to psychosocial oncology including distress assessment, depression, anxiety, adjustment and coping, sexuality, loss and grief. Small group work will allow students to develop a rich understanding of the cancer experience and develop beginning competency in psychosocial oncology assessment, interprofessional collaboration and cultural safety. Attention to diversity will be integrated as a thread throughout the course.