Nursing and Midwifery Sciences REPLICA S. CAMILLO

Activity type

* Scienze ostetriche

SSD

MED/45

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

2

Hours distribution

16 classroom hours

Lecturers

FRANCESCA PLAJA

Activity type

* Scienze ostetriche

SSD

MED/45

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

8 classroom hours

Lecturers

Flavio Marti

Activity type

* Scienze infermieristiche

SSD

MED/45

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

8 classroom hours

Lecturers

Maria Cannovo

Activity type

Scienze umane e psicopedagogiche

SSD

MED/02

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

8 classroom hours

Lecturers

Lucia Mitello

Activity type

Scienze biomediche

SSD

MED/05

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

8 classroom hours

Lecturers

LUCA PIERELLI

Activity type

Scienze biologiche, mediche e chirurgiche

SSD

MED/06

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

8 classroom hours

Lecturers

SIMONE SCAGNOLI

Activity type

Scienze biomediche

SSD

MED/04

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

1

Hours distribution

8 classroom hours

Lecturers

MARCO CIPPITELLI

By the end of the integrated module, learners can articulate the foundational principles of palliative care and pain management, distinguishing them from curative medicine and linking them to continuity of care and family support. They explain the multidimensional nature of pain, its pathophysiology and clinical implications, and apply validated assessment tools across ages and settings to plan safe, multimodal pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. They analyze ethical–legal dilemmas (informed consent, decision-making capacity, proportionality of care, equity) and justify decisions aligned with patient values and the best available evidence. They appraise organizational models in hospice, home, and day-hospital settings, clarifying team roles, access pathways, and quality/outcome indicators. They connect core concepts of precision/Personalized medicine to palliative aims when appropriate, recognizing needs, therapeutic interactions, and care priorities in advanced disease. They design person-centred care plans, coordinate interprofessional work, and critically use digital tools and decision support to improve experience, safety, and outcomes. They communicate with empathy and contextual appropriateness, fostering therapeutic education and caregiver engagement, and demonstrate reflective practice by identifying improvement areas and translating research-methodology and internship competencies into responsible, sustainable service innovation.

A solid biomedical foundation (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology) and fundamental knowledge of clinical pharmacology, with particular emphasis on analgesics, opioids, and principles of titration and monitoring. Proficiency with introductory concepts in research methodology and Evidence-Based Practice (question formulation, hierarchy of evidence, critical appraisal of studies), including elements of basic descriptive and inferential statistics.

Module: ADVANCED NURSING METHODOLOGY
N/D
Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PAIN THERAPY
The course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of pain as a complex, subjective, and multidimensional experience, with particular emphasis on its pathophysiological, psychological, and nursing dimensions.
Students acquire a comprehensive understanding of the conceptual, physiological, and classificatory foundations of pain, distinguishing among acute, chronic, nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic types.
They develop an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions that modulate pain perception, recognizing pain as the fifth vital sign and an essential indicator of care quality.
They are able to apply validated instruments for pain assessment, adapting them to the patient’s characteristics, age, and clinical context.
Students critically analyze the cultural, ethical, and organizational barriers that hinder effective pain management, reflecting on the nurse’s professional and deontological responsibilities.
Finally, they evaluate and design individualized care plans, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, and promoting a multidisciplinary approach aimed at the person’s wellbeing and dignity.


Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PALLIATIVE CARE
The course opens with the foundations of Palliative Care, clarifying definitions, ethical and organizational principles, and differences from curative medicine. It then addresses accompanying the dying as a clinical, psychological, and spiritual process, integrating continuity of care and family support. A comprehensive section covers pain: pathophysiology and classifications; multimodal treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological); assessment scales (sensory, affective, functional dimensions); complementary medicine with critical appraisal of evidence; and neonatal analgesia (specific scales, dosing, and monitoring).
Communication focuses on therapeutic relationships within a person-centred approach: empathy, active listening, and tailored language; the Kübler-Ross five-stage model used as an interpretive lens; attachment theory to modulate support; and Watson’s Theory of Human Caring applied in daily practice.
The Hospice model is explored from Cicely Saunders’ vision and total pain, with organizational examples, access pathways, and outcome/quality indicators; roles of the interdisciplinary team, interprofessional collaboration, and the link between research and education are emphasized.
Finally, Pediatric Palliative Care addresses clinical, ethical, and communication specificities: support to children and families, assessment of pediatric pain/distress, and the child’s centrality in co-designing the care plan.


Module: PROGRESSES IN GENERAL PATHOLOGY
This module introduces bioethics as an interdisciplinary field addressing dilemmas arising from biomedical innovation and evolving care relationships. After an operational definition and a brief genealogy of the term, it presents major ethical approaches used in bioethical reasoning and decision criteria when values conflict. The guiding thread is the ordinary human condition of vulnerability shaping care practices and social coexistence: relational autonomy, mutual responsibility, equity in access, and justice in allocating scarce resources. Case discussions—both real and simulated—develop proficiency with tools such as informed consent and refusal, assessment of capacity and surrogate decision-making, risk-benefit balancing, proportionality of treatment, and ethical triage. A dedicated focus addresses organ transplantation: death criteria, consent/donation models, wait-list prioritization, transparency of criteria, and follow-up, with attention to equity and non-discrimination.


Module: CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
N/D
Module: ONCOLOGY
The module introduces precision oncology by tracing the transition from histologic classification to molecular profiling, enabling recognition of oncogenic drivers and rationale-based treatment selection. Learners distinguish principles of targeted therapy by comparing small-molecule kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, then extend this understanding to antibody–drug conjugates as “Trojan horse” platforms with mechanism-linked toxicities and resistance patterns. Immunotherapy is examined along the cancer–immunity cycle, connecting checkpoint blockade to response dynamics, immune-related adverse events, and the role of predictive biomarkers within multidisciplinary management. Tumor-agnostic strategies are framed as approaches guided by actionable alterations irrespective of histology, with attention to evidence generation from basket and umbrella designs and implications for regulation and access. Pharmacology is integrated through analysis of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, pharmacodynamic targets, polypharmacy, complementary products, and high-risk drug–drug interactions that affect efficacy and safety. Organizational models and enabling technologies are evaluated across outpatient and day-hospital settings, including nurse-navigator programs, digital decision supports, subcutaneous and oral delivery options, and pathways that maintain dose intensity while improving patient experience. Throughout, activities guide participants to recall core concepts, explain mechanisms and biomarkers, apply therapeutic algorithms to realistic cases, analyze genomic and toxicity reports, evaluate risk–benefit in complex comorbid profiles, and design coordinated, patient-centered care plans in collaboration with Molecular Tumor Boards and clinical pharmacists, drawing examples and cases from the provided slides.


Module: Bioethics
Precision and personalized medicine.
Therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Concepts of Osteo-Immunology and pathological bone resorption:
examples in oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis.
Bone metastasis and pain treatment.
Vaccination strategies.

Module: ADVANCED NURSING METHODOLOGY
N/D
Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PAIN THERAPY
Pasero, C., & McCaffery, M. (2011). Pain Assessment and Pharmacologic Management. Mosby/Elsevier.

RNAO – Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2024). Pain: Prevention, Assessment and Management (4ª ed.). Toronto: RNAO.

Raja, S. N., et al. (2020). The revised IASP definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. Pain, 161(9), 1976–1982.


Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Prandi, C. (2015). Infermieristica in cure palliative. Milano: Edra. ISBN 978-88-214-3928-5 (cartaceo); ISBN 978-88-214-3929-2 (eBook).
Schmitt, É.-E. (2015). Oscar e la dama rosa (trad. A. Bracci Testasecca). Roma: Edizioni E/O. ISBN 978-88-6632-656-4.


Module: PROGRESSES IN GENERAL PATHOLOGY
Botti, C. (2022). Vulnerabili. Cura e convivenza dopo la pandemia. Roma: Castelvecchi. ISBN 978-8832908138.


Module: CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
N/D
Module: ONCOLOGY
Abdel-Wahab, N., et al. (2019). Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer and preexisting autoimmune disease: A systematic review. *Annals of Internal Medicine*.

American Heart Association. (2022). Cardio-oncology drug interactions: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. *Circulation, 145*(15), e811–e838.

Chalmers, Z. R., et al. (2017). Analysis of 100,000 human cancer genomes reveals the landscape of tumor mutational burden. *Genome Medicine*.

Chen, D. S., & Mellman, I. (2013). Oncology meets immunology: The cancer–immunity cycle. *Immunity, 39*(1), 1–10.

Fruscoloni, G., et al. (2017). Modelli organizzativi per l’erogazione dei trattamenti oncologici: Efficienza e impatto sul paziente. *MECOSAN*.

Gazze, G. (2017). Combination therapy for metastatic melanoma: A pharmacist’s role, drug interactions & complementary alternative therapies. *Future Medicine*.

Giannakis, M., et al. (2016). Genomic correlates of immune-cell infiltrates in colorectal carcinoma. *Cell Reports, 15*(4), 857–865.

Hanahan, D. (2022). Hallmarks of cancer: New dimensions. *Cancer Discovery, 12*(1), 31–46.

Hanahan, D., & Weinberg, R. A. (2011). Hallmarks of cancer: The next generation. *Cell, 144*(5), 646–674.

Johncilla, M., Misdraji, J., Pratt, D. S., Agoston, A. T., Lauwers, G. Y., Srivastava, A., & Doyle, L. A. (2015). Ipilimumab-associated hepatitis: Clinicopathologic characterization in a series of 11 cases. *American Journal of Surgical Pathology, 39*(8), 1075–1084.

Larkin, J., et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety in key patient subgroups of nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab versus ipilimumab alone in treatment-naïve advanced melanoma (CheckMate 067). *European Journal of Cancer, 51*(Suppl 3), S664–S665.

Menzies, A. M., et al. (2021). Neoadjuvant immunotherapy in melanoma: Pathologic response and survival outcomes. *Nature Medicine*.

Migden, M. R., et al. (2018). PD-1 blockade with cemiplimab in advanced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma. *New England Journal of Medicine, 379*(4), 341–351.

Naidoo, J., et al. (2023). Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) consensus definitions for immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated immune-related adverse events terminology. *Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer*.

Nature Medicine CAPRI trial investigators. (2022). Impact of a nurse-navigator program on treatment delivery for metastatic cancer (CAPRI): Phase 3 randomized trial. *Nature Medicine*.

Olofsson, S., et al. (2016). Patient time, costs and preferences for subcutaneous versus intravenous trastuzumab in breast cancer. *The Breast*.

Tzanikou, E., & Lianidou, E. (2020). Circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA in liquid biopsy—Recent advances and future perspectives. *Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 57*, 54–72.

Verschuren, E. C., et al. (2015). Clinical, endoscopic and histologic characteristics of ipilimumab-associated colitis. *Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology*.

Wan, J. C. M., et al. (2017). Liquid biopsies come of age: Towards implementation of circulating tumour DNA. *Nature Reviews Cancer, 17*, 223–238.

Wang, D. Y., Salem, J., Cohen, J. V., et al. (2018). Fatal toxic effects associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *JAMA Oncology, 4*(12), 1721–1728*.



Module: Bioethics
PPT files and literature provided by the teacher.

Module: ADVANCED NURSING METHODOLOGY
N/D
Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PAIN THERAPY
Treede, R.-D., Rief, W., Barke, A., et al. (2019). Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: The IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the ICD-11. Pain, 160(1), 19–27.

Mogil, J. S. (2012). Sex differences in pain and pain inhibition: Multiple explanations of a controversial phenomenon. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(12), 859–866.

Marti, F., Paladini, A., Varrassi, G., & Latina, R. (2018). Evaluation of Psychometric and Linguistic Properties of the Italian Adolescent Pain Assessment Scales: A Systematic Review. Pain and Therapy, 7(1), 1–21.

Stevens, B. J., Harrison, D., & Yamada, J. (2012). Pain assessment tools in pediatric and neonatal care: A systematic review. Pain, 153(12), 2427–2438.

Phillips, D. M. (2000). JCAHO pain management standards are unveiled. JAMA, 284(4), 428–429.

McCaffery, M., & Pasero, C. (1999). Pain: Clinical Manual (2ª ed.). Mosby.



Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PALLIATIVE CARE
N/D
Module: PROGRESSES IN GENERAL PATHOLOGY
N/D
Module: CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
N/D
Module: ONCOLOGY
N/D
Module: Bioethics
N/D

Teaching is delivered face-to-face through an integrated approach that combines didactic (lecture-based) and interactive modalities, supported by multimedia presentations, simulated cases, and the critical appraisal of scientific articles. Lecture segments introduce and structure core content using slides, diagrams, and concept maps to build shared theoretical frameworks and foster organized note-taking. Interactive sessions promote applied reasoning through guided questioning, brief small-group discussions, plenary debriefs, and short formative checks. The use of presentations ensures clarity, logical sequencing, and straightforward access to study materials; simulation of clinical-organizational scenarios enables practice of decision-making and risk management in a protected environment, followed by structured debriefing. Journal club activities develop evidence use by guiding students in source selection, synthesis of findings, essential methodological appraisal, and transfer of evidence to practice and organizational contexts.

Admission to assessment is conditional upon in-person attendance of no less than two-thirds (66.7%) of the total contact hours. **Remote participation is neither provided for nor countable. Attendance is recorded exclusively via the signature register. No exceptions are permitted.

Assessment is integrated: within the same examination session, the student completes all assessments pertaining to the individual modules and must pass each with at least a satisfactory result. The assessment methods include written tests (Oncologia, Patologia Clinica), oral examinations (Progressi in patologia generale, Infermieristica avanzata in terapia del dolore, Metodologia infermieristica avanzata), and project evaluation (Bioetica, Metodologia infermieristica avanzata, Infermieristica avanzata in cure palliative); in-term tests or exemptions may also be scheduled and contribute to the overall evaluation. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale, as an integration of the module results (pass ≥ 18/30); honors are awarded upon a unanimous decision. Admission to the exam is contingent upon in-person attendance of not less than two thirds (≥ 66.7%) of the total course hours. Reasonable accommodations, as well as compensatory tools and dispensations for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD), are ensured in accordance with applicable regulations.

Pain management in the adolescent patient
Italian Law 38/2010 on palliative care and pain therapy
The concept of palliative care
Advance healthcare directives (DAT)
The ABO blood group system
What is the most significant clinical outcome achieved with immunotherapy in solid tumors?
What is meant by osteoimmunology and pathological bone resorption?

Module: ADVANCED NURSING METHODOLOGY
N/D
Module: ADVANCED NURSING IN PAIN THERAPY

• Modern concept of pain; pain as the fifth vital sign; classification and types (acute, chronic, nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic); impact on quality of life and wellbeing.
  • Books: • Raja, S. N. et al. (2020). The revised IASP definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. Pain, 161(9), 1976–1982. • Loeser, J. D., & Treede, R.-D. (2008). The Kyoto protocol of IASP Basic Pain Terminology. Pain, 137(3), 473–477. • McCaffery, M., & Pasero, C. (1999). Pain: Clinical Manual (2ª ed.). Mosby.


• Mechanisms of nociception: transduction, transmission, modulation, and perception; biological, psychological, and social factors; gender, age, and cultural differences in pain perception.
  • Books: • Treede, R.-D., Rief, W., Barke, A., et al. (2019). Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: The IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the ICD-11. Pain, 160(1), 19–27. • Mogil, J. S. (2012). Sex differences in pain and pain inhibition: multiple explanations of a controversial phenomenon. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(12), 859–866. • Pasero, C., & McCaffery, M. (2011). Pain Assessment and Pharmacologic Management. Mosby/Elsevier.


• Mono- and multidimensional assessment tools (VAS, NRS, BPI, PAINAD, BPS, APPT); selection criteria according to clinical context and age; assessment in adolescents; nursing documentation.
  • Books: • Marti, F., Paladini, A., Varrassi, G., & Latina, R. (2018). Evaluation of Psychometric and Linguistic Properties of the Italian Adolescent Pain Assessment Scales: A Systematic Review. Pain and Therapy, 7(1), 1–21. • Stevens, B. J., Harrison, D., & Yamada, J. (2012). Pain assessment tools in pediatric and neonatal care: a systematic review. Pain, 153(12), 2427–2438. • RNAO – Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2024). Pain: Prevention, Assessment and Management (4ª ed.). Toronto: RNAO.


• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions; complementary and integrative strategies; therapeutic education and helping relationship; ethical, professional, and organizational aspects of pain management.
  • Books: • RNAO – Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2024). Pain: Prevention, Assessment and Management (4ª ed.). Toronto: RNAO. • Phillips, D. M. (2000). JCAHO pain management standards are unveiled. JAMA, 284(4), 428–429. • Pasero, C., & McCaffery, M. (2011). Pain Assessment and Pharmacologic Management. Mosby/Elsevier. • Treede, R.-D. et al. (2019). Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: The IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the ICD-11. Pain, 160(1), 19–27.

• Concept of Palliative Care; accompanying the dying; pain (pathophysiology, types); multimodal treatment (WHO ladder, adjuvants); NRS/VAS/BPI/DN4 and documentation; complementary medicine; neonatal analgesia (dedicated scales, dosing, monitoring). Riflessioni sulla lettura del libro "Oscar e la Dama Rosa"
  • Books: Prandi, C. (2015). Infermieristica in cure palliative. Milano: Edra. ISBN 978-88-214-3928-5 (cartaceo); ISBN 978-88-214-3929-2 (eBook). 


• Communication (person-centred, empathy, active listening); Kübler-Ross five stages (interpretive lens); attachment & decision-making; Hospice (Cicely Saunders, “total pain”, models/access/indicators, team, research-education); pediatric palliative care (support to children/families, child-centred/best interest, participation); Reflective Note on "Oscar and the Lady in Pink"
  • Books: Prandi, C. (2015). Infermieristica in cure palliative. Milano: Edra. ISBN 978-88-214-3928-5 (cartaceo); ISBN 978-88-214-3929-2 (eBook). 

• Origins and definitions of bioethics; classical principles and limits; relational autonomy and vulnerability; decision tools: informed consent/refusal, capacity, surrogate decision‑making, risk‑benefit balancing, proportionality; justice and equity in services.
  • Books: Botti, C. (2022). Vulnerabili. Cura e convivenza dopo la pandemia. Roma: Castelvecchi. ISBN 978-8832908138.


• Methods for discussing complex cases; ethical triage and resource allocation; transplantation focus: death criteria, donation models (opt‑in/opt‑out), wait‑list priority, transparency, follow‑up and non‑discrimination; communication with patients and families.
  • Books: Botti, C. (2022). Vulnerabili. Cura e convivenza dopo la pandemia. Roma: Castelvecchi. ISBN 978-8832908138.

• Precision oncology: from histologic to molecular profiling; oncogenic drivers and actionable biomarkers; targeted therapy: small-molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies; antibody–drug conjugates: rationale, efficacy, characteristic toxicities; immunotherapy: cancer–immunity cycle, PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade, management of immune-related adverse events; application to case vignettes and guided reading of genomic reports
  • Books: Abdel-Wahab; 2019; American Heart Association; 2022; Chalmers; 2017; Chen; 2013; Fruscoloni; 2017; Gazze; 2017; Giannakis; 2016; Hanahan; 2011; Hanahan; 2022; Johncilla; 2015; Larkin; 2015; Menzies; 2021; Migden; 2018; Naidoo; 2023; Nature Medicine CAPRI trial investigators; 2022; Olofsson; 2016; Tzanikou; 2020; Verschuren; 2015; Wan; 2017; Wang; 2018


• Tumor-agnostic therapies for histology-independent alterations; primary and acquired resistance and sequencing strategies; metabolism and drug–drug interactions: ADME, polypharmacy, high-risk interactions and complementary products; organizational models and technologies: oncology day-hospital, nurse navigator, subcutaneous and oral options, digital decision support; risk–benefit appraisal and integrated care planning within the Molecular Tumor Board
  • Books: Abdel-Wahab; 2019; American Heart Association; 2022; Chalmers; 2017; Chen; 2013; Fruscoloni; 2017; Gazze; 2017; Giannakis; 2016; Hanahan; 2011; Hanahan; 2022; Johncilla; 2015; Larkin; 2015; Menzies; 2021; Migden; 2018; Naidoo; 2023; Nature Medicine CAPRI trial investigators; 2022; Olofsson; 2016; Tzanikou; 2020; Verschuren; 2015; Wan; 2017; Wang; 2018

• 4 frontal lectures of 2 hours each, corresponding to 1 CFU.Precision and personalized medicine Therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) Concepts of Osteoimmunology and pathological bone resorption:
  Examples in oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis
  Bone metastases and pain management Vaccination strategies