Study Guide: WIT
The Patient’s Experience of Illness
1. How does Vivian Bearing remind you of terminally ill patients or persons you
have known?
2. Describe Vivian Bearing
3. Explain how Vivian’s personality affected the care that she received?
4. How does she grow or change in the course of her illness?
5. How does Vivian Suffer? And what alleviates her suffering in the course of the
film?
The Physician’s Role in Palliative Care
1. Defend your opinion:
a. Dr. Posner and Dr. Kelekian are examples of the way physicians actually
treat patients with a terminal illnesses,
Or
b. Dr. Posner and Dr. Kelekian are stereotypes that do not accurately
represent the way physicians actually treat patients with a terminal
illnesses.
2. In what ways do the doctors caring for Vivian meet her needs?
3. In what ways do the doctors caring for Vivian fail to meet her needs?
The Nurses Role in Palliative Care
1. How did the care provided by Susie Monahan differ from the care provided by
Dr. Posner and Dr. Kelekian?
2. Describe how Susie exhibits empathy and compassion.
3. Why is she more comfortable than the physicians discussing end of life issues?
4. Do you think Susie also fails Vivian? And if so, how?
Comfort for the dying
1. How does Vivian Bearing’ old Professor comfort her?
2. What is the significance of “the Runaway Bunny”?
Final Thoughts
1. How has the film helped you understand how patients experience dying?
2. How has the film made you aware of ways you can improve the care you provide
dying patients?
3. How has the film affected your interest in learning more about caring for dying
patients and palliative medicine?
Center for Palliative and Supportive Care
Personalized care for the stress of serious illness.
We use a comprehensive approach by focusing on the whole patient; addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual suffering of disease. Our interdisciplinary team is committed to supporting patients and their families through the stress of serious illness.
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Innovative answers to the challenges of providing serious illness care.
At the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, our researchers focus on seeking out innovative answers for palliative Care problems. We are committed to supporting the clinical efforts of palliative care by studying all five domains.
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Expert clinicians training the next generation of Palliative Care team
In addition to our renowned Palliative Medicine Fellowship, our expert clinicians provide extraordinary learning opportunities for the entire healthcare team through time-tested programs such as the Clinical Training Academy and the Palliative Care Leadership Centers™ Program.
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