Psychosocial, Cultural and PA Professional Practice Issues in Health Care

Catalog description

(Only for students enrolled at the Illinois campus)Students are introduced to concepts in health psychology and behavioral medicine, which identify the psychosocial factors contributing to health and physical and emotional well-being. Defenses and adaptations are discussed as related to the types of patients the student will work with. Other psychological responses to acute and chronic illness, end-of-life issues, and the psychology of the chronically ill are discussed as they relate to the patient and the medical practitioner. An integral part of this course focuses on the theory and method of the medical interview. Students are introduced to the techniques of modeling and role-playing, and are required to participate in the roles of health care practitioner, patient, and family member. Emphasis is placed on establishing a relationship and understanding the effects of cultural diversity and personality types. Cultural competence is introduced, and the students are asked to explore their own culture as well as other cultures that they will interact with.