Learn how to apply different questionnaires to assess the physical symptoms of cancer"  

The interview is considered the most effective method of intervention in psychology because, under the right conditions, it provides a safe space for people to express their discomfort and concerns. In medicine, this tactic has been adapted to allow professionals to learn about a patient's history. This is why communication is very important when working in an oncology department. 

With the postgraduate diploma in Clinical Assessment in Psycho-Oncology, students will learn to master a series of skills that will allow them to express, in an assertive and empathetic manner, everything a patient needs to know about their disease and the care they should receive. In this sense, the elements of therapeutic communication as well as the attitudes and methods will be described in a didactic and practical way, making it effective and understandable.  

On the other hand, the needs of those affected by cancer will be addressed by performing a physical and emotional assessment. For this reason, we will present the different questionnaires and methodologies that psycho-oncology has developed to identify the physical and psychological symptoms that generate discomfort in the patient. In this way, the student will be able to apply the protocol of each set of tests and make the relevant report.  

Finally, the steps necessary to support psycho-oncologists in their research will be identified, as well as conducting their own work. Thus, they will be able to actively participate in the formulation of the question of interest, literature review, sample selection, data collection, identification of variables, etc. In short, this degree will become an excellent opportunity for medical personnel to train and improve their treatment of the patients under their care.  

Formulate hypotheses and actively participate in research in psycho-oncology” 

This postgraduate diploma in Clinical Assessment in Psycho-Oncology contains the most complete and up to date educational program on the market. The most important features are:

• Practical cases presented by experts in Psycho-Oncology 
• The graphic, schematic, and eminently practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice  
• Practical exercises where self assessment can be used to improve learning  
• Special emphasis on innovative methodologies   
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments  
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection 

Gain experience and practice in applying a spiritual resources assessment scale to determine the patient's satisfaction with life" 

The program’s teaching staff includes professionals from the sector who contribute their work experience to this training program, as well as renowned specialists from leading societies and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive training programmed to train in real situations.   

This program is designed around Problem Based Learning, whereby the professional must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise during the academic year. For this purpose, the student will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.

Many patients communicate with their body that which they can’t put into words. Identify these discrete signals thanks to this postgraduate diploma"

Provide a safe environment for your patient to discuss any concerns"

This program is designed to help students take a detailed clinical history of their oncology patients, including the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the diagnosis. For this purpose, they will have a series of tests and questionnaires that will help them determine the physical, emotional and socio-familial impact of the affected person, such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) or the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).

Rapidly intervene in those negative feelings of your patients that put cancer treatment at risk” 

General Objectives

• Gain in depth knowledge of the area of study and development of the profession 
• Know the application of psychology in the nursing care for cancer 
• Define the functions of a psycho-oncology unit and the role of the psycho-oncologist in the health care setting 
• Gain in depth knowledge of the different therapeutic options in the psychological treatment of cancer 
• Contribute to the control of anemic disorders by means of appropriate psychological strategies 
• Know how to assess and intervene in adaptive and maladaptive emotions and behaviors 
• Understand the influence of the psychological aspects of each type of tumor and to contribute to their control by means of psychological strategies 
• Know how to assess and intervene in adaptive and maladaptive emotions and behaviors of the different oncologic processes 
• Know how to differentiate between adaptive and maladaptive emotions and behaviors at the end of life 
• Explore and apply strategies for emotional self regulation 
• Know, evaluate, diagnose and intervene in the most prevalent psychological problems in palliative care 
• Explore personal, social and cultural beliefs and values of the family in relation to illness and death 
• Prepare for the loss 
• Detect psychological reactions in the different phases of grief 
• Provide appropriate individual and family bereavement support 
• Prevention and early identification of pathological grief 
• Gain in depth knowledge of the basics and acquire basic communication skills 
• Understand in depth the theoretical bases of the professional-patient relationship 
• Be able to deliver bad news and answer difficult questions 
• Elaborate an initial assessment (detailed clinical history) and analysis of the social and spiritual emotional impact on the patient and their family 
• Know how to apply the instruments for the assessment of the patient and the family, useful and appropriate for each symptom and stage of the disease 
• Know in depth the conceptual bases, the methodology, the systematics and the procedures related to research in psycho oncology 
• Search and select information: electronic databases, websites, libraries, magazines, texts, etc. 
• Apply bioethical principles to daily clinical practice with special emphasis on the most complex and specific situations 
• Deepen understanding in the conceptual and practical bases of ethics applied to the oncological process 
• Analyze in a scientific, rigorous and systematic way, ethical problems from an interdisciplinary perspective 
• Deepen understanding of the methodology of bioethics, rational and interdisciplinary, and know how to apply it to concrete or general situations 

Specific Objectives

Module 1. Communication with the Oncologic Patient 

• Work with a Patient Centered Psychology 
• Appropriately handle difficult situations and dealing with bad news 
• Prevent and detect communication problems (e.g., pact of silence) and enhance family members' resources and strategies 
• Manage the most complex communication difficulties 
• Reflect critically on one's own attitudes and communication skills, identifying elements for continuous improvement during the care process 

Module 2. Evaluation and Measurement Instruments 

• Evaluate the complex psychological problems 
• Apply assessment procedures and instruments for specific symptoms 
• Acquire the training and practice to conduct quality of life assessment; plan the assessment and use specific instruments, conduct functional analysis, case formulation and writing reports 
• Assess family threats, needs and resources, and know how to apply family assessment tools
• Manage comprehensive assessment tools in palliative and end of life care 

Module 3. Research in Cancer 

• Design, develop and implement a research project 
• Formulate scientific research hypotheses 
• Analyze results and draw conclusions 
• Train in scientific communication of research results 
• Establish the ethical limitations of a research project 
• Have the ability to apply empirical evidence in patient care 
• Gain knowledge of good clinical practice guidelines and ethics committee standards  

Avoid the ‘pact of silence’ to guarantee the rights of the patient to know their health status”