Course Resources Archive

Designed for health practitioners working in a variety of care settings, this module introduces students to the theory and practice of the whole person approach to medicine and health care. It provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, critical insight and skills in order to diagnose and begin the process of helping patients to health in body, mind and spirit.

This module acts as a general introduction to the concepts behind a whole person approach to medicine and health care. It introduces the skills needed to assess, diagnose, and begin the process of helping patients in body, mind and spirit. Module core content includes:

1. Anthropology, philosophy and theology and their influence on the development of understanding of body, mind and spirit.
2. Medical models and implications for health care delivery
3. The definition of health and wellbeing through the lifespan
4. The patient as person – identifying and meetings needs
5. Skills of the therapist in a whole person model including counselling and listening skills, spiritual care, and the special needs of the dying, elderly people and those with identified mental health problems.
6. Tools to empower patients in their journey into health – including coping strategies, self-help tools, and assisted decision making
7. Practical applications of a whole person approach

On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate and apply to practice the principles of a whole person approach to health care.
2. Critically reflect upon and discuss the interaction between differing models of patient treatment and care.
3. Understand the fundamental concepts underpinning the assessment of patient need and apply a whole person approach within a therapeutic response.
4. Critically evaluate the use of a  whole person approach within an multi-professional environment.

The Module will be delivered through a range of lectures, seminars and tutorial discussions delivered in study day blocks and with technology assisted learning at the University of Gloucestershire.

300 hours total
Direct contact: 10% (30 hours)
Student Directed Learning: 90% (270 hours)

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.