PSYCHO- ONCOLOGY

The aim of the psycho-oncology specialisation course is to provide psychology students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to interact with oncology patients and their families. Psychologists, similar to medical staff, chaplains, volunteers, doctors, meet in their professional practice with oncological patients at all stages of their treatment. Patients include children adolescents, adults and the elderly. Psychologists also meet the families of patients at different stages of cancer progression, different stages of treatment and often bereavement as a result of the patient’s death. The proposed coursework in this specialisation will allow students to acquire and refine practical skills related to helping patients live with their illness and experience limitations resulting from hospitalisation and disease states. Students will gain skills to assist the relatives of patients in coping with situations approaching the end of patients’ lives and helping them to experience bereavement after their passing. The course of study is designed to support the skillful use of one’s own resources, improving skills to protect physical health, enhance mental health and develop spirituality.

Graduates of the psycho-oncology specialisation will be prepared to work in foundation and association settings supporting oncology patients and their families. Those graduating from this specialisation will be able to support the work of professional staff in inpatient hospices and hospice home care. Graduates will find a place of cooperation in Homes for the Aged or at parish Caritas teams supporting hospices. Graduates of this specialisation will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and competences to be involved in volunteer groups, community support groups and health promotion organisations. Graduation from this specialisation will enable graduates to find their place in the activities of organisations counteracting oncological problems and supporting people in trauma.