Experiences of distress in the cancer process can have negative effects on the patient's health"

Currently, multiple lines of research and increasingly advanced therapies have been developed, focusing on the management and symptomatic control of cancer. This implies that patients experience short-, medium- and long-term effects of the disease. For this reason, a sub-specialty called "Psycho-Oncology" is beginning to emerge, which advocates for the psychosocial well-being of the oncology patient, the effects it has on their life and the impact on their family environment.

With the Master's Degree in this area, physicians will be able to expertly specialize in the comprehensive care of their oncology patients in all phases of the disease, i.e., from diagnosis to cases requiring special care to ensure comfort in the last moments. This also includes the mental health of the patient's family members and caregivers during the progression of the disease.

In this degree program, special emphasis will be placed on the need to improve students' communication skills and abilities, which will ensure that they are able to manage their emotions in any stressful or conflictive situation. This will be essential for the patient to adequately understand the process they are about to face. Likewise, special attention will be paid to the students' need to effectively manage Burnout symptoms, encouraging personal self-care.

In this way, the student will learn about the advances and contributions of psychology to oncology, which will help them to determine, with the patient and their family, realistic therapeutic objectives. Likewise, they will learn the intervention techniques designed to emotionally accompany the patient, identifying the symptoms and psychological alterations that represent a threat to the effectiveness of the treatment.

For all these reasons, doctors who take this Master's Degree will be able to become complete professionals. Therefore, they will be able to approach the disease from a novel approach that takes into account the emotional and social reality of the patient. Therefore, they can work in any hospital, nationally and internationally, under very stressful situations and a high emotional load. 

Help your patients understand and accept the unfavorable prognosis using techniques designed by psycho-oncologists"

This Master's Degree 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  and medicine
• 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 the self-assessment process can be carried out to improve learning
• Special emphasis is placed on innovative methodologies in Applied Psycho-Oncology in medicine
• 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

As a physician, you must take care of yourself to avoid job stress when working in the oncology department of a hospital"

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.

It reduces the concern of an oncology patient by understanding their family and social situation"

Improve your skills to communicate with patients in an assertive and reassuring manner"

The content of this Master's Degree in Psycho-Oncology has been created specifically to enhance the skills of physicians in their daily work in a hospital. For this reason, students will be trained in emotional intervention techniques of the discipline, knowing the importance of providing a comprehensive treatment that ensures the individuality of the patient and respect for their beliefs. They will also learn how to manage family members' grief and how to communicate unfavorable news from an empathetic and compassionate position. For all these reasons, they will be more than qualified to work in the oncology ward of any hospital, whether at national or international level.

Help terminally ill patients to carry out an advance planning process to make decisions at critical moments of the disease"

Module 1. Characterization and Fields of Application of Psycho-Oncology

1.1.     Cancer and Its Impact on Current Society

1.1.1.     Cultural Variability
1.1.2.     Incidence, Prevalence and Mortality

1.2.     Myths, Beliefs and Pseudotherapies Related to Cancer

1.3.     Medical Care for Cancer Patients

1.3.1.     Early Detection of Cancer
1.3.2.     Surgery and Treatment

1.4.    Risk Factors and Cancer

1.4.1.     Psychoneuroimmunology
1.4.2.     Stress, Coping Styles and Personality Variables

1.5.    Cancer Prevention

1.5.1.     Primary and Secondary Prevention
1.5.2.     Health Education and Healthy Lifestyle Habits

1.6.     Functions of the Psycho-Oncologist: Their Role Within the Hospital Environment

1.7.     Teaching, Training, Specialization and Accreditation in Psycho-Oncology

1.8.     Objectives and Areas of Psychological Intervention for Cancer Patients and their Families

1.9.    Other Disciplines Related to Psycho-Oncology

1.9.1.     Psychology as an Intersection Between Oncology and Health Psychology

1.10.   Approach to the Social Needs of the Cancer Patient

1.10.1.     Economic and Occupational Impact. Job Reintegration
1.10.2.     Social Support and Cancer

Module 2. Psychological Treatments in Cancer and Third Generation Therapies

2.1.    Effective Psychological Treatments in Psycho-Oncology

2.2.    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Cancer Treatment

2.2.1.     Identification of Automatic Thoughts and Modification of Cognitions
2.2.2.     Activation Control Techniques

    2.2.2.1. Diaphragmatic Breathing Training
    2.2.2.2. Progressive Muscular Relaxation 

2.2.3.     Behavioral Activation
2.2.4.     Exposition Techniques and Guided Imagination

2.3.     Cognitive Training Program

2.4.     Rehabilitation Program Based on Physical Exercise

2.5.    Mindfulness

2.5.1.     Mindfulness Training Program
2.5.2.     Compassion and Self-Compassion Practice

2.6.    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

2.6.1.     Components of ACT and Clinical Methods

2.7.    Therapy Focused on the Search for Meaning

2.7.1.     Cancer and Feeling. Exploration of the Sources of Meaning

2.8.    Dignity Therapy

2.8.1.     The Concept of Dignity in Cancer Patients
2.8.2.     Models of Dignity. Chochinov

2.9.    Systemic Family Therapy

2.9.1.     Family and Cancer. Most Common Family Dynamics

2.10.   Pseudotherapies and Pseudosciences Against Cancer

2.10.1.     Positions of Government Agencies
2.10.2.     Pseudotherapies and Pseudosciences With and Without Scientific Evidence

Module 3. Most Relevant Psychological Aspects According to Different Tumor Locations

3.1.    Leukemias, Lymphomas and Myelomas

3.1.1.     Bone Marrow Transplantation and Isolation Situations

3.2.    Breast Cancer and Gynecology

3.2.1.     Body Image
3.2.2.     Sexuality
3.2.3.     Self-esteem
3.2.4.     Chemobrain Effect

3.3.    Prostate Cancer

3.3.1.     Incontinence and Sexual Impotence

3.4.    Colon Cancer and the Digestive System

3.4.1.     Living with a Colostomy

3.5.    Intervention in Laryngectomized Patients

3.5.1.     Speech Therapy Intervention
3.5.2.     Alteration in Social and Work Life

3.6.    Head and Neck Tumors

3.7.    Thyroid Cancer

3.8.    Tumors of the Central Nervous System

3.8.1.     Cognitive Deficits and Mobility Limitations

3.9.    Lung Cancer

3.10.  Child Cancer

3.10.1.     Emotional Development and Child Intellect 
3.10.2.     Social Impact on the Child
3.10.3.     Impact on the Family

Module 4. Protocols for Emotional Intervention at the End of Life

4.1.     Palliative Care Objectives

4.2.     Evaluation of Suffering

4.3.   Process of Psychosocial Adaptation at the End of Life

4.3.1.     Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Reactions

4.4.     Triadic Interaction Model for Patients, Family and Healthcare Professionals

4.5.    Specific Interventions Centered on the Patient

4.5.1.     Anxiety
4.5.2.     Sadness
4.5.3.     Hostility
4.5.4.     Fear
4.5.5.     Blame
4.5.6.     Denial
4.5.7.     Withdrawal

4.6.     Specific Needs of the Family. Assessment of the Patient-Family Unit

4.6.1.     Conspiracy of Silence
4.6.2.     Family Claudication

4.7.     Interventions Oriented Towards Health Professionals

4.7.1.     Working in Multicultural Teams
4.7.2.     Prevention of Burnout Syndrome

4.8.     Attention to the Spiritual Needs of the Patient

4.8.1.     Spiritual Care Model of SECPAL (Spanish Society of Palliative Care).
4.8.2.     Existential Angst and Religious Experience

4.9.     Psychological Intervention in Pediatric Palliative Care

4.10.   Advance Decision Making Process and Planning (ADP)

4.10.1.     Declaration and Registry of Advance Vital Wills

Module 5. Evaluation and Measurement Instruments

5.1.     The Psycho-Oncology Clinical Interview

5.2.    Evaluation of the Needs of the Cancer Patient

5.2.1.     Needs Evaluation Questionnaire, (NEQ)
5.2.2.     Patient Needs Assessment Tool, (PNAT)
5.2.3.     The Short-Form Cancer Needs Questionnaire, (CNQ)

5.3.    Evaluation of the Quality of Life of the Cancer Patient

5.3.1.     EORTC Questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Therapy of Cancer)
5.3.2.     FACT Questionnaire (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy)
5.3.3.     SF 36 Health Questionnaire

5.4.     Main Evaluation Questions for Physical Symptoms of Cancer

5.4.1.     Edmonton Symptom Assessment Sytem (ESAS)
5.4.2.     Questions for Pain Assessment
5.4.3.     Questions for Fatigue and Quality of Sleep Evaluation
5.4.4.     Cognitive Screening and Functiona State Questionnaires
5.4.5.     Questionnaires for the Evaluation of Sexuality

5.5.    Detection of Distress and Assessment of Suffering

5.5.1.     Emotional Distress Screening Questionnaire
5.5.2.     Emotional Distress Thermometer
5.5.3.     Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD)
5.5.4.     Subjective Perception of the Passing of Time

  5.5.4.1. Waiting Times in Oncology

5.6.    Socio-Familial Assessment and Valuation

5.6.1.     Perceptoin of the Family Function. APGAR Family Questionnaire
5.6.2.     Family Relationship Index (FRI)
5.6.3.     Self Report Family Inventory (SFI)

5.7.     Coping Assessment Questionnaires for Cancer Patients

5.7.1.     Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC)
5.7.2.     Questionnaire to Measure Coping Styles. Miller Behavioral Style Scale (MBSS)
5.7.3.     COPE Questionnaire

5.8.     Assessment Tools for Spiritual Needs

5.8.1.     Spiritual Needs and Well-Being Assessment Scale from GES (Spiritual Group). Part of SEPCAL (Spanish Society for Palliative Care)
5.8.2.     Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well Being
5.8.3.     The Patient Dignity Inventory

5.9.    Self-Report and Observation

5.9.1.     Clinical Case Formulation

5.10.   Psychological Assessment of Children in Palliative Care

Module 6. Communication with the Oncologic Patient

6.1.    Illness, Communication and the Helping Relationship

6.1.1.     Doctor-Patient Communication as a Possible Factor of Improvement and Iatrogenesis. Pain and Suffering Prevention
6.1.2.     Communication Barriers

6.2.    How to Give Bad News About Cancer

6.2.1.     Answers to Difficult Questions
6.2.2.     Communication in Complicated Situations 

6.3.    Counselling Techniques in Clinical Practice

6.3.1.     Counselling Attitudes
6.3.2.     Assertive Communication
6.3.3.     Emotional Control
6.3.4.     Problem-Solving and Responsible Decision-Making

6.4.    Relationship Models and Therapeutic Influence

6.4.1.     Paternal Model
6.4.2.     Informative Model
6.4.3.     Interpretive Model
6.4.4.     Deliberative Model

6.5.    Tools for Emotional Support in Cancer

6.5.1.     How to Speak With a Cancer Patient. Guide for Friends and Family
6.5.2.     Levels of Emotional Interaction 

6.6.     Non-Verbal Communication in the Support Relationship

6.7.     Communication in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

6.7.1.     Learning to Talk About Death

6.8.     Talking About Cancer With Children

6.9.     Communication in People With Communication Deficits

6.10.   Treatment of Cancer in the Media

6.10.1.     Cancer on Social Networks

Module 7. Grief Management

7.1.     Death , Culture and Society

7.1.1.     Health Professionals in the Face of Death

7.2.    Psychological Evaluation of Grief

7.2.1.     Interview and Specific Instruments for Assessment

7.3.     Common Reactions to Grief

7.3.1.     Normal Grief and Complicated Grief
7.3.2.     Vulnerability Factors
7.3.3.     Differential Diagnosis Between Grief and Depression

7.4.    Main Theoretical Models About Grief

7.4.1.     Bowlby's Attachment Theory
7.4.2.     Nuclear Beliefs and Meaning Reconstruction
7.4.3.     Conceptual Models About the Trauma

7.5.    Objectives of Intervention in Grief and Recommended Interventions

7.5.1.     Facilitating the Normal Process of Grief. Prevention of Complicated Grief
7.5.2.     Suggestions for Intervention Before and After the Death
7.5.3.     Bereavement Psychotherapy from an Integrative Relational Model

7.6.    Group Intervention in Attention to Grief

7.6.1.     Psychological Intervention Grief Due to the Loss of a Child

7.7.    Stages of Grief

7.7.1.     Bereavement Tasks

7.8.     Grief in Children

7.9.     Suicide and Cancer

7.10.   Psychopharmacology in Attention to Grief

Module 8. Other Psychological Interventions in Specific Cancer-Related Areas

8.1.    Psychological Treatment to Give Up Smoking

8.1.1.     Myths About Tobacco
8.1.2.     Analysis of Smoking Behavior. Physical and Psychological Dependence
8.1.3.     Program Structure. Sessions and Methodology
8.1.4.     Abstinence and Prevention of Relapse

8.2.    Early Detection of Cancer

8.2.1.     Screening Tests (Mammography, FOBT, Cytology, etc.)
8.2.2.     Anticipatory Anxiety and Difficulties in Participation
8.2.3.     Oncologic Genetic Counseling

8.3.    Mutual of Self-Help Groups

8.4.    Psycho-Educational Groups for Family Members and Patients

8.4.1.     Topics to Approach and Work Methodology
8.4.2.     Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

8.5.    Psychological Intervention in Cancer Survivors. The Return to “Normality”

8.6.    Control of Secondary Effects in Cancer Patients

8.6.1.     Pain Control
8.6.2.     Against Fatigue and Sleep
8.6.3.     Sexuality Control
8.6.4.     Cognitive Alterations. Chemobrain Effect

8.7.    Preparation and Intervention for Hospitalization and Surgery

8.8.    Psychological Preparation for Other Medical Treatment (Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, etc.)

8.9.    Psychological Intervention in Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT)

8.10.  Strategies for Training Volunteers in Cancer Patient Care

8.10.1.     The Volunteer Interview. Assignment and Matching of the Volunteer to Each Profile
8.10.2.     Specific Training of the Volunteer. Tutoring and Monitoring

Module 9. Research in Cancer

9.1.     World Declaration for Cancer Research

9.2.     Methodology of Cancer Research

9.2.1.     Cancer Prevention Area
9.2.2.     Cancer Treatment Area

9.3.     Common Errors in Psych-Oncology Research

9.4.     Steps to Follow to Carry Out Psycho-Oncology Research

9.5.     Epidemiological Research Into Cancer

9.6.    Biomedical Research

9.6.1.     Participation in Clinical Trials in Cancer
9.6.2.     Doubts, Risks and Benefits
9.6.3.     Distribution of Clinical Trials Per Type of Cancer

9.7.    Main Advances in Research

9.7.1.     Priority Areas of Research in Psycho-Oncology
9.7.2.     Priority Areas of Research in Palliative Care
9.7.3.     New Lines of Research

9.8.     Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in People Affected by Cancer

9.9.     Lines of Research from Social Work

9.10.   Publications on Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Care in Scientific Journals

9.10.1.     Writing of Scientific Articles

Module 10. Ethical Aspects in Psycho-Oncology and Psychology of Palliative Care

10.1.   Telling the Patient the Truth or Not. Managing the Bearable Truth

10.2.   Cancer and Ethics: A Complex Interaction

10.2.1.     Principled Bioethics
10.2.2.     Personalistic Bioethics
10.2.3.     Double Effect Principle

10.3.   Anthropological Basis

10.3.1.     The Experience of Fragility
10.3.2.     The Experience of Suffering
10.3.3.     The Person as Wounded Healer

10.4.   Rights of the Cancer Patient

10.4.1.     Patient Autonomy Law
10.4.2.     Informed consent
10.4.3.     GDPR and Confidentiality of Medical History

10.5.   Ethical Duties of Health Care Workers Caring for Cancer Patients

10.6.   Death with Dignity

10.6.1.     Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia 
10.6.2.     Adequacy or Limitation of Treatment, Refusal of Treatment, Sedation, Therapeutic Obstinacy

10.7.   Participation of the Patient in Their Process of Illness, Treatment and Decision Making

10.7.1.     Moral Dialogue

10.8.   Humanization in the Care of Cancer Patients

10.8.1.     Quality and Warmth

10.9.   Ethical Care Committees and Clinical Research

10.10. Inequalities and Cancer Equity

10.10.1.     Psychological Care in Cancer in the National Health System in Spain
10.10.2.     Current Situation in Palliative Care

Each oncologic patient is different and needs medical and emotional support adapted to their needs”