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

Course overview

In alignment with palliative/end of life care philosophy, this module aims to prepare experienced healthcare practitioners with principles and practical skills relating to impeccable holistic assessment and striving for excellence in palliative and end of life care for patients and their families.

This will include integrated approaches, planning for future care, dealing with uncertainty in the situation of someone who is ‘ill enough to die’, recognising, updating and providing care for the dying in line with the Priorities for Care of the Dying (2014), the NICE Guidance for Care of the Dying Adult (2015 and 2017 update) and respecting patient choices when dying has been recognised.

This module runs for 14 weeks with a half day blended, taught component each week for ten weeks followed by tutorial support prior to submission of assessment on week 14.

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/clients who have end-of-life care needs.
You must also have previously studied at degree level.

Employability

Career opportunities

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