End of Life Care (Level 7)
University Certificate in Postgraduate Continuing Education

Course overview

This module aims to prepare experienced healthcare practitioners to develop a sound knowledge base in the area of end-of-life care.

Through distance-learning activities you develop your ability to critically analyse and evaluate the provision of end of life within your own area of practice, how end-of-life care is delivered and how it can be further developed or enhanced.

The module is delivered via distance-learning, utilising the virtual learning environment (VLE) e-learning@tees, over ten weeks. A one-hour seminar most weeks at 9.00am on Wednesdays, creates a forum for debate, sharing and learning from each other’s practice. A range of experts also take part during these seminars to give you contemporary and authentic input.

The VLE contains learning materials that address key topic areas you study, including handling difficult questions, complex symptom management, ethical issues and caring for the dying patient.

Course details

What you study

A variety of topics relating to palliative and end-of-life care including:

• society's approach to health, illness and death, dying and bereavement
• disease trajectories and life transitions
• leadership
• complex symptom management (most distressing)
• current evidence, policies and guidelines
• cultural aspects
• ethical decision-making, utilising an ethical framework, suitable to holistic perspectives for nursing and allied health professionals
• identifying that someone is dying, which is a national priority
• advance decisions
• communication skills associated with psycho-social support.

This list is not exhaustive - the award considers end-of-life care from a holistic perspective.

How you learn

You learn by being involved in a variety of distance learning activities including discussion boards, recorded lectures and seminars, and interactive quizzes.

How you are assessed

You are assessed by a 3,000-word written case study where you critically analyse and evaluate an episode of patient care.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You will be a practitioner in health care and be involved with patients and their families in end-of-life care situations.

Employability

Career opportunities

This award increases your understanding and knowledge in palliative and end-of-life care .