There is a growing number of people with terminal illness who are living for a longer period of time due to the advances in medical technology and healthcare. As a result, many organisations such as hospice institutions, palliative care centres, home care agencies, geriatric centres and even acture care hospitals are expanding palliative care units to provide dedicated care with the aim to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for both the patients and their families. Healthcare professionals should be equipped and prepared to provide the best quality care for people with life-threatening illnesses throughout the entire course of their illness.
This palliative care programme is, therefore, designed to meet the present and future requirements of healthcare professionals who are currently working or intending to work with terminally-ill patients. It is the intent of this programme to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and appropriate attitudes to funtion effectively in caring for clients who need end-of-life/palliative care.
This Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care for Healthcare Professionals consists of 70% structured coursework and 30% clinical practicum. The coursework and practicum are based on continuous assessment and/or final examination. Continuous assessments mainly includes the following components: assignments (e.g. oral presentation, research proposal, case study, critiquing, and reflections), practicum (actual exposure in palliative care centres and compilation of a portfolio of cases handled).
This Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care for Healthcare Professionals Programme intends to prepare healthcare professionals to work in the palliative care setting (hospice institutions, palliative care centres, home care agencies, geriatric centres, nursing homes, and even acute care hospitals) as clinical experts, educators, and researchers in order to influence safe, quality, and cost-effective patient care.
Source: UCSI University