The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and strategies needed to: 1. Effectively manage communication and the doctor-patient relationship in various clinical settings. 2. Identify and address key psychological issues related to medical practice. By the end of the course, students will be able to: - Understand the theoretical foundations of medical psychology and apply them in clinical practice - Manage communication with patients and families in an empathetic and professional manner - Recognize psychological distress and respond appropriately - Promote treatment adherence and support patients in critical phases of the clinical process
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Lectures. Discussion of clinical cases. Viewing of videos.
Assessment Methods
The oral exam aims to assess the student’s ability to understand and integrate the theoretical contents of medical psychology with clinical practice, demonstrating conceptual mastery, relational awareness, and critical thinking skills.
Contents
The course introduces Medical Psychology, outlining its goals, methods, and its essential role in clinical practice. It examines health and illness psychology through various theories and models that explain health-related behaviors, with a focus on interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles. Psychological adaptation to illness is explored in depth, considering individual reactions, coping and defense mechanisms, the experience of illness as a trauma, and the potential for post-traumatic growth, with particular attention to chronic conditions. A significant part of the course is dedicated to communication in the medical setting, addressing key aspects such as empathy, active listening, communication during diagnosis, delivering bad news, and encouraging treatment adherence. Finally, the course explores the application of medical psychology in specific clinical contexts, including surgery, oncology, end-of-life care, and bereavement, emphasizing the value of integrated psychological support in patient care.
