February 20, 2013

University of Louisville program is result of work from $1.5 million NIH grant

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A unique curriculum at the University of Louisville is preparing medical, nursing, social work and pastoral care students to work together on interdisciplinary teams, so patients can receive better care when facing a serious illness.

The program, interdisciplinary curriculum for oncology palliative education (iCOPE) piloted in Fall 2012, and is teaching students to distinguish the roles and contributions of each team member; equipping them to initiate an interdisciplinary collaboration; and helping them to formulate a patient care plan that addresses psycho-social-spiritual and physical needs. The curriculum is mandatory for nursing students, master’s level social work students specializing in oncology social work and clinical pastoral care trainees. It will be required for medical students starting in Fall 2013.

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Interdisciplinary education seeks to improve palliative care