Curriculum (Graduate Certificate Programme)

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The Graduate Certificate Programme in Palliative Care is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational initiative designed to equip healthcare professionals with a profound understanding of the principles and practices involved in caring for patients facing serious life-limiting diseases. The curriculum is structured into three modules, each addressing distinct aspects of palliative care.

 

Overview of Curriculum

Summary of course content 

This module provides a foundational framework of the principles and practice of palliative care in the care of patients suffering from serious life-limiting diseases, delivered by a team of experts in the field of palliative care. 

It aims to develop the learner’s knowledge in core concepts relating to serious life-limiting diseases in both advanced cancer and non-cancer end-stage organ diseases through an interdisciplinary approach.

Areas covered: 

1. Overview of life-limiting diseases (cancer and non-cancer) and the symptoms
2. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for symptoms relief in patients suffering from life-limiting diseases
3. Multi-modal approach and clinical therapeutics of cancer pain management

4. Overview of conditions presenting as palliative emergencies and the management strategies

Rationale for introducing this module

This module provides an overview of the principles and practice of palliative care and broaden the learner’s knowledge on core concepts relating to serious life-limiting diseases in both cancer conditions and non-cancer end-stage organ diseases. 

It also aims to provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals to understand the symptoms burden faced by patients suffering from serious life-limiting diseases and the management strategies. This module will provide insights into palliative care emergencies, emphasizing the incorporation of a multi-modal approach and the therapeutics involved in cancer pain management. 

This course aims to bring healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds to learn together in an inter-professional and multi-disciplinary environment.

Aims and objectives

On completion of the module, the learners should be able:

1.  To understand and identify the symptoms patients suffering from cancer and end-stage organ disease experience
2. To understand the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for symptoms relief in patients suffering from life-limiting diseases
3. To understand and to describe the multi-modal approach and clinical therapeutics of cancer pain management
4. To recognize conditions presenting as palliative emergencies and understand the management strategies

5. To recognize the issues related to patients suffering from life-limiting diseases, taking into account the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of care 

 

Summary of course content 

This module develops a foundational appreciation for “whole” person care for palliative care patients and their caregivers. “Whole” person care focuses on psychological health, spiritual and religious needs, and socio-cultural aspects of palliative care. Assessments and interventions to support patients and caregivers, using a Bio-Psychosocial-Spiritual Framework will be introduced. The module will also focus on the field of thanatology, which encompasses research on the experience of dying, grief and bereavement, dignity and compassion in palliative care, assessment and intervention, as well as life and death education.

Rationale for introducing this module

Palliative care aspires to improve the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing challenges associated with life-threatening illness, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. However, conventional palliative care practices focus predominately on physical care with little emphasis on addressing the total need and total pain faced by patients and their families at the end of life. This course provides a holistic and interdisciplinary overview of the major psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and systemic perspectives, theories, research, and clinical practices for supporting the dying and the bereaved from a global viewpoint with a critical focus on the Asian experience.

Aims and objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify the foundational knowledge on death, dying and bereavement as well as issues concerning spirituality and meaning of life.
  2. Articulate the overarching psychological, social, and cultural impact of death and loss with a particular focused on the Asian experience.
  3. Identify the impact of grief and bereavement through the lens of thanatology, psychology, sociology, social work, and counselling science.
  4. Apply basic practical skills for working with individuals and families facing the challenges of death, dying, grief and bereavement.
  5. Develop essential reflective practices on personal beliefs, attitudes and experiences with death and loss through the principles of dignity and compassion. 

 

Summary of course content 

This module provides a foundational appreciation of the practical aspects of end-of life care. An overview of topics, ranging from philosophical discussions on care practices to provision of practical care, which covers
- Principles and ethics in palliative care
- Care of the dying patient
- Advance Care Planning 
- Provision of care for patients with life limiting diseases in various settings (eg. nursing home, community hospital, home) 
- Communication in palliative care 
- Nursing care in the dependent patient, care of wounds at the end-of-life, and drug administration in palliative care 
- Meeting patients' nutritional needs 

- Role of physical, occupational, art, music, and speech rehabilitation

Rationale for introducing this module

This foundational course translates the fundamental principles of palliative care to practical care of patients from a medical, nursing, rehabilitative and dietetic stance. Ethical principles relating to best practice in palliative care will be covered, as will the value of advance care planning in helping to map future care for patients. 

Aims and objectives

1. Apply the principles and philosophies of palliative care
2. Describe the models of palliative care delivery 
3. Discuss the concept of quality of life across the spectrum of living with life limiting disease, including in the terminal phase
4. Integrate disease modifying and palliative care
5. Analyze ethical issues arising in palliative care 
6. Initiate and facilitate advance care planning conversations with patient and family
7. Discuss palliative care application in various healthcare settings
8. Apply the basic principles of therapeutic communications in palliative care
9. Relate palliative care to special patient groups – pediatric and young adults
10. Discuss the focus of quality nursing care in advanced illness

11. Discuss the benefits of rehabilitation in palliative care

 

  1. Mid-semester assessment and a final exam for each module
  2. Student would need to pass all modules to be awarded the certificate / degree from each sub-programme
  3. Graded assignments will be an integral component of the course