Understanding the Healthcare Patient

To work positively, compassionately, and empathetically work and build rapport with patients in the healthcare environment, it is helpful to understand some basic physical and psychological concepts related to health and wellness, disease, suffering, stress, and grief. This course provides an overview of common chronic diseases and basic related psychological concepts thought to be at play with various types of patients and their loved ones. It covers perspectives related to lifespan development, understanding suffering, the concept of compassionate care, person-centered approaches to healthcare service, emotional intelligence, and more.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Define health including how psychology impacts health and wellness.
• Define health promotion including examples of health promotion activities for children, adolescents, at-risk people, adults, and older adults.
• Outline selected theories related to changing health habits.
• Identify proven health-promoting behaviors.
• Identify health-compromising behaviors.
• Explain stress including its psychology, stressors, chronic stress, and its impact on health.
• Define coping, resilience, and social support.
• Explain the health services and related issues in the United States.
• Describe the relationship between patients and providers in various settings.
• Identify complementary and alternative treatments (CAM).
• Explain common strategies for management of pain and discomfort.
• Explain common management strategies for chronic health disorders.
• Discuss the psychological issues in advancing and terminal illness.
• Describe selected chronic diseases including definition, risk factors, potential causes, and treatments.
• Discuss potential causes and related issues of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
• Discuss potential benefits and psychological considerations related to nutrition and exercise.

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Understanding the Healthcare Patient Certification

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.