Palliative Care and End-of-Life Support
6 ECTS
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Support
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Module Description
The module covers key concepts in palliative care, including pain and symptom management, emotional support for patients and their families, and the importance of respecting patient autonomy in end-of-life decision-making.
Students will learn how to create individualised care plans that account for the needs and preferences of each person, ensuring that their comfort and dignity are safeguarded throughout their final stages of life.
Students will also explore the ethical challenges associated with palliative and end-of-life care.
Entry Requirements
- A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent) in Care or a related field and English Language at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
- In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
The programme targets the following groups:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the field of care.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the care profession.
- Individuals seeking to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate care-related information.
- Individuals already working in care who wish to progress to more advanced positions.
- Individuals aiming to continue their studies in health and social care at higher levels.
Career Paths
This qualification prepares students for advanced roles in direct care provision, including:
- Senior Care Assistant
- Community Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Pediatric Care Assistant
- Personal Care Assistant
- Disability Support Worker
- Palliative / End-of-Life Care Worker
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Residential Care Worker
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:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative 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.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Comprehend the philosophy and goals of palliative care.
- Provide compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Navigate the ethics of end-of-life decision-making.
- Develop end-of-life care plans that respect the wishes of individuals and their family members and loved ones.
Knowledge
By the end of the module/unit, the students will be able to:
- Comprehend the philosophy and goals of palliative care.
- Provide compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Navigate the ethics of end-of-life decision-making.
- Develop end-of-life care plans that respect the wishes of individuals and their family members and loved ones.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Appraise how palliative care supports patients and their families.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver holistic palliative care.
- Promote a safe environment that allows patients to express their physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns.
- Respect the patient’s autonomy and promote their well-being.
- Develop an end-of-life care plan keeping in mind the patient’s dignity and autonomy.
- Maintain open communication with the patient, their family members, and loved ones about the patient’s options for end-of-life care.
- Adequately document the patient’s, family’s, and loved ones’ decisions for care.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Practice empathetic and respectful care with the patients by easing their emotional, physical, and mental distress, managing their symptoms, and supporting their spiritual well-being
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find, download, and upload assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.