Objectives of the course: Clinical practice of medical science requires a good knowledge of psychological functioning as well as being adequately familiar with the effects of physical disease on psychological functioning. The physician-patient communication and relationship are also central in clinical practice, affecting both the quality of medical care and the well-being of patients and their family. The main objective of the course is to introduce and apply clinical psychology into the field of clinical practice of medicine.

Contents of the course:

• The science of Psychology. Psychology in the field of medical science. Personality structure. Psychological stages of development. Factors affecting psychological development, cognitive functions and perception. The systemic approach and its contribution to the understanding of psychological and physical functioning. Life events, social structure and functioning. Effects on psychological and physical functioning.
• Contemporary neurophysiological theories. Linking the biological and the psychological level of functioning. Manifestation of emotions, effects of emotions on physical functions. Crisis. The significance of critical situations for physical development. Physical illness as a state of somatic crisis.
• Effects of physical disease on psychological functioning. The role of psychological functioning in the development of physical disease (psychosomatic disease). The psychological components of pain. Chronic illness and its impact on the quality of life of both patients and their family. Psychological reactions towards the end of life. The needs of end-stage patients. The patient with end-stage disease. Issues regarding euthanasia.
• The therapeutic context. Forms and levels of communication. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Therapeutic communication. Models of therapeutic communication. Therapeutic communication and quality of life. The role of therapeutic communication in medical care and adherence to therapy. The role of psychological interventions and therapeutic communication in patients' quality of life.
• Communication within the multidisciplinary team. Fatigue and burnout of the medical personnel. Factors involved in burnout.
• The role of the psychological health professional in the medical hospital clinics. Liaison psychology in the medical hospital clinics. Establishment of psychological intervention units within medical hospital clinics.

Modes and outcomes of teaching: The course equally combines theory and laboratory practice. Lectures are offered to all students enrolled, while laboratory practice takes place in small groups of students. Laboratory practice involves applying theory with the help of audio-visual material. At the end of the course, students should be familiar with different models of communication, recognise psychological functions and overt behaviours related to physical disease as well as deal with the main issues involved in therapeutic communication.

Hours of training per student: 52

Semester: 6th

ECTS: 2