Palliative and End of Life Care
6 Credits (ECTS)
Palliative and End of Life Care
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€543 refund on this module
Module Description
The aim of this module is to provide an examination of the philosophy and principles of palliative and end of life care, as applied in various settings.
It aims to equip learners with the skills to complete an initial assessment of the needs of a patient requiring palliative or end of life care, with regard to their physical, psychological, spiritual and cultural well-being.
It will also explore and analyse the needs of the “family” and the role of the multi-professional team in meeting these needs.
They will also develop a greater understanding of ethical and legal aspects of palliative care.
In addition, the module provides a current in-depth knowledge of the various causes and management of symptoms and learn how to communicate sensitively about end of life concerns.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a Level 6 degree in a related field;
OR
- a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related elderly care and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the sector.
Target Audience
The target group covers, but is not limited to:
- Care Home Managers and Directors
- Personnel involved in the administration of care to the elderly
- Educators
- Welfare Officers
- Human Resources and Operations Managers involved in the administration of care for the elderly
- Middle Management (such as. senior care workers etc.)
- Personnel involved in family counselling and counselling of the elderly
- Nurses
- Medical Doctors
- Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, dieticians etc.
Career Paths
The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be: Elderly Care Home Managers/Directors, Elderly Home Chief Executive Officers/ Chief Financial Officers/Human Resources Managers.
It is designed to improve the prospect of employment and career progression in areas including, but not limited, to:
- Community/social services agencies for the elderly;
- Religious organisations which provide care for the elderly;
- Healthcare and long-term care agencies and institutions (state and private).
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Dissertation Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Additional Info
Upon successfully completing the course, you will be able to get 70% of the course fees back through the Get Qualified scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically evaluate the evidence underpinning palliative symptom management.
- Critically evaluate the skills and resources necessary to effectively assesses, manage and evaluate symptoms of advanced progressive disease.
- Appraise the contribution of different disciplines, organisations and agencies and how effective collaborative working can enhance end of life care.
- Critically reflect on and apply the ethical consideration in Palliative and End of Life Care.
- Critically evaluate the role of communication, culture and spirituality in Palliative Care and how it can be applied.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Introduction to Palliative and End of Life Care – part 1.
- Hospice Care – An Overview of Compassionate Care.
- Patient, Family and Caregiver Needs and Significant Life Events.
- Guidelines for Effective Use of Symptoms (GEMS) -part 1.
- Guidelines for Effective Use of Symptoms (GEMS) -part 2.
- Ethics and Palliative Care.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Implement organisational systems and procedures necessary to support individuals experiencing significant life events.
- Supply appropriate resources to support individuals experiencing significant life events.
- Support and motivate team members in delivering end of life and palliative care.
- Lead a service that supports individuals through significant life events.
- Develop collaborative working partnerships with other key services and resources to support individuals experiencing End of Life considering ethical, cultural, spiritual and communication aspects.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Critically reflect on methods for measuring the end of life care service against national indicators of quality.
- Implement shared decision-making strategies in working with individuals at end of life and others.
- Analyze how partnership working delivers positive outcomes for individuals and others.
- Resolve tensions or conflicts that may arise for individuals experiencing significant life events, their families and careers.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Question and debate ethical and legal issues that influence palliative care symptom management.
- Communicates ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of techniques involving qualitative and quantitative information to sustain arguments.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Undertake independent and self-directed study through researched literature reviews.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.