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Curriculum (Master of Science (MSc) in Holistic Palliative Care)
Overview of Curriculum
Summary of course content This module gives a comprehensive introduction to the research process, for both qualitative and quantitative research. Students will learn about research study design, research methodologies, data collection, and data analysis. |
Rationale for introducing this module Knowledge and understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology allows participants/students to explore not just associations between biological/behavioral factors, but complex social and behavioral phenomena present in the palliative care context, in greater depth. |
Aims and objectives The main aim of this course is for students to acquire a clear understanding of the foundations of qualitative and quantitative research methodology. This includes: - Principles of qualitative, mixed methods, and quantitative research -Development of a research study design that meets study aims and objectives -Data collection skills including interviewing and through surveys -Managing and analyzing data using qualitative and quantitative research techniques |
Summary of course content This module provides an understanding of the issues in the provision of palliative care for the pediatric population: - Differences between adult and paediatric palliative care settings - Symptom management - Development of the child - Communication issues - Supporting the family - Grief and Bereavement - Self care |
Rationale for introducing this module Principles and concepts around PPC are relevant to all types of practitioners, particularly learners pursuing post-graduate training at higher levels. Clinicians have been asked to support a child with serious illness or the family outside Paediatrics. Skills learnt are also applicable to the care of young adults with life limiting illness. |
Aims and objectives - Appreciate contextual differences between adult and paediatric palliative care, and gain knowledge of historical development and current status of PPC - Understand phases of cognitive and psychological growth and development in children, and their application in the clinical setting - Identify and demonstrate specific skills and techniques when talking with the vulnerable child, teenager or young adult - List all non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches; develop the knowledge and confidence in the safe and effective use of strong opioids in children for the management of pain - Describe commonly encountered symptoms in this setting, both among children with cancer or non-cancer diagnoses; acquire and apply steps to perform targeted assessment and medical management - Recognising dying; understand and operationalise different ways that the family may be supported at this time - Review theories of grief and loss pertaining to the paediatric setting; understand related needs and explore management strategies - Identify self-care as a core competency in PPC; recognise triggers and develop ways to address them |
Summary of course content Good communication is key to providing quality end-of-life care. Hence, this module aims to equip students with the skills for effective communication through: - Identifying sources of psychological, social and spiritual support for people affected by life-limiting illness - Recognising how a healthcare practitioner's personal values and beliefs about dying and death affect his/her responses and interactions with people affected by life-limiting illness - Demonstrating the principles of effective communication when interacting with people affected by life-limiting illness - Exploring the role of self-care for healthcare professionals who are supporting people affected by life-limiting illness |
Rationale for introducing this module Good communication is an important part of the holistic care of not only the patients facing life-limiting illness, but also their families and caregivers. |
Aims and objectives 1. Understand the goal and purpose of communication. 2. Understand what may constitute good communication (ie. microskills) -Using alignment, and not pushing one’s own agenda -Listening > talking -Eliciting concerns/ stance of curiosity 3. Understand and demonstrate empathetic communication eg using the communication tool (NURSE), and the use of therapeutic silence 4. Understand the steps needed for speaking to family and patient -importance of understanding their perception and knowing background (SPIKES) 5. Demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary communication – between different disciplines and care sectors
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Summary of course content
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Rationale for introducing this module Participants will be exposed to palliative leadership philosophies which have helped to shape the care of patients living with life-limiting disease in Singapore and the world over. Principles which have guided the development of policies for dignified end of life care will be shared. The health economics of palliative care is also an important component of policy development that will be featured in this module, together with an overview on evaluating palliative care programs. Global experiences of palliative care delivery, both in developing and developed countries will be shared by local and international faculty to give participants an understanding of healthcare systems which succeed (or fail) in this important aspect of healthcare. |
Aims and objectives This module will equip future healthcare leaders in Singapore and the region to develop policies which promote living well, even with life limiting diseases. They will gain insights in establishing cultures which support and scale palliative healthcare expertise, developing local and regional evidence which can contribute to international literature, and create healthy and productive work environments. By sharing the principles which underpin the development of palliative care in Singapore and throughout the world, learners will appreciate the challenges and triumphs of advocacy.
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Summary of course content This module offers the participants opportunities to apply and synthesize the knowledge learned from the other modules in the programme. The candidates will take ownership of maximizing their own learning opportunities and will be guided by practitioners practicing in the various palliative care clinical sites: for example, inpatient hospices, home hospice services, the palliative department in acute hospitals, the community hospitals and palliative day care centres. |
Rationale for introducing this module This course will give the participants an opportunity to understand how palliative patients are cared for holistically and how different team members work together on the ground. Participants will be able to be exposed to the different palliative settings and how they are run, especially in the community. Last but not least, palliative care being a patient-centered specialty where good communication is essential, this course will give the participants opportunities to engage with patients facing terminal illnesses.
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Aims and objectives 1. Apply relevant knowledge and skills in caring for patients receiving palliative care 2. Assess systematically and evaluate clinical condition of patients and their environment 3. Translate best evidence-based practice into direct care delivery as appropriate 4. Demonstrate the use of various infusion devices and disposable pumps in the delivery of subcutaneous medications 5. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills in the care of palliative care patients; 6. Demonstrate an understanding of competent, holistic multidisciplinary care in the inpatient hospice setting, home hospice setting and acute hospital setting. |
- Mid-semester assessment and a final exam for each module
- Student would need to pass all modules to be awarded the certificate / degree from each sub-programme