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Palliative and End of Life Care
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Course Details
Course Code | GA_SPELC_O09 |
---|---|
Level | 9 |
Duration | 1 year |
Credits | 60 |
Method of Delivery | Blended |
Campus Locations | Mayo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
In ATU Mayo our commitment to postgraduate palliative care education is founded on the intention of advancing the quality of life of people and their families experiencing life threatening illness, through continuing education of professionals employed in or wishing to advance their career in this area.
Our suite of postgraduate palliative and end of life education programmes consist of three strands (Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Science) that provide for educational training and education for professionals at ATU-Mayo. This suite of programmes was developed in consultation with clinical experts in palliative and end of life care both nationally and internationally. We provide a flexible learning environment.
Since first launched in 2019, this programme has proved extremely popular with practitioners and service providers and has been fully subscribed each year. Our programme team continually strive to maintain a practice-based approach incorporating current research and professional development requirements in our teaching and learning. Our programme content is informed by the WHO Guidelines for Palliative Care (2016) and the Palliative Care Competence Framework (HSE, 2014). We work very closely with our clinical expert partners in acute care and hospice care. Our lecturing staff include clinical experts in the palliative care field. The programme delivery includes guest lectures and practical workshops delivered by clinical specialists in the area. The teaching and learning frequently draw from clinical practice scenarios and assessments are applied in nature.
Our programmes use a blended online flexible approach with residential workshops (Thursday pm and Friday 9-6) every 3-4 weeks (4 times in semester 1 and 4 times in semester 2). The additional teaching and learning are online via tutorials, discussion groups and Moodle. The cost of overnight accommodation for the residential sessions and the core reference books are included in the fees.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
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1 |
Principles of Palliative and End of Life CareThe aim of this module is to enable learners to critically review, discuss and debate current strategies and developments within palliative and end of life care. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate the principles of palliative care and EOL care. 6. Critically appreciate the impact of life limiting conditions on the person and the family. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Psychosocial, Ethical and Spiritual CareThis module aims to develop health and social care professional's competence, knowledge, skills and critical thinking regarding the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of palliative care Learning Outcomes 1. Enhance the students knowledge and understanding of the psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and ethical aspects of care within a palliative care context. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Effective Symptom Management in Life Limiting ConditionsThis module will develop competencies of holistic and effective management of common symptoms in adult life limiting conditions. It will enable professionals to offer best possible quality of service to the person, carer and extended family group. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of common symptoms in adult life limiting conditions. 2. Evaluate the effective management of common symptoms through a person centred and evidence based approach. 3. Appraise relevant international, national and local guidelines in symptom management. 4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of Palliative Care emergencies. |
10 | Elective |
1 |
Reflective PracticeThe aim of this module is to enable the learner to develop competency in practice of reflective thinking and writing as a method of increasing, enhancing and promoting continued professional development and self care in professional practice. This module also aims to equip the learner with the skills of critical self awareness, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and conclusion. Learners will enhance their competences related to theories of reflective practice and critically appraise the role of reflection in professional practice using a critical research approach. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically analyse the meaning of reflection and reflective practice within professional practice. 2. Critically analyse the main theories and models of contemporary reflective practice. 3. Critically distinguish the skills requiredfor effective reflective practice. 4. Critically differentiate the contemporary debates related to reflective practice such as assessment and facilitation of reflective practice. 5. Critically understand and demonstrate the skills of reflective writing. 6. Critically appreciate the role of education for the reflective practitioner. |
10 | Elective |
1 |
End of Life Care for the Person with DementiaThis module is aims at offering the learner the opportunity to develop competencies pertaining to Dementia and End of Life Care for the person and families affected. Learners will enhance their critical understanding and appreciation of the effects and impact of dementia on the person and their loved ones. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the challenges of having a family member with dementia. |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Applied ResearchThis module will assist learners in developing critical awareness of the range of research and innovation methods used in the sphere of outdoor education and how to appropriately select from these in designing a project proposal. It will provide students with the knowledge necessary to design a realistic, practically based and robustly-designed project that seeks to improve practice. Learners will be required to consider their proposed project area, articulate aims and objectives and submit a project proposal. Learners who successfully complete this module will be competent at selecting and applying appropriate methods and techniques to conduct a substantial project. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop,articulate and justify a research/project aim. 2. Articulate coherent research projectobjectives which are appropriately related to the aim of the project. 3. Select research methods which areappropriate to the research aims and objectives. 4. Set out and defend the rational for selecting a particular methodological approach suitable to the research question. 5. Articulate critical insight into ethical and data protection issues and appropriately address these. 6. Formulate a research proposal for a dissertation. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Bereavement and LossThis module aims to develop the learner's competency in understanding the bereavement process for persons and their families throughout the life span within a health and social care context. Learners will enhance their competencies related to the theories of bereavement and loss and critically appraise therapeutic interventions using empirical research and evidence based practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically analyse the meaning of bereavement and loss. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Clinical Practice PlacementThis module aims to enhance the learners knowledge, skills and competencies in palliative and end of life care within the context of malignant and non-malignant conditions, across the lifespan. . Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and achieve learning objectives appropriate to palliative care competences. |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Creative Arts in Palliative CareThis module aims to provide learners with a critical awareness of the opportunities and challenges of the practice of participatory creative arts in contemporary palliative care. The module will focus on the premise that the arts and creativity are central human activities, enhancing emotional stability, personal enrichment and self-fulfillment, which can play an important part in person-centred end of life care. The module will create a critical awareness of the contemporary themes around this idea. The core of the module will be a series of experiential participatory workshops in the creative arts, supported by a deep engagement with theory. This will focus on application to practice and students will be encouraged to consider aspects of the creative arts in palliative care from their own area of practice and application of theory.The core competences to be developed in this module are centred on communication, enabling an understanding of the impact that multiple loss (including occupational roles and functional independence) may have on the behaviour and decision-making of people with life-limiting conditions and their families, and to take this into account when planning care. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically analyse the opportunities and challenges of the practice of participatory creative arts in contemporary palliative care. 2. Critically analyse the main theories and models of creative arts practice in contemporary palliative care. 3. Critically analyse the main theories and models of non-linguistic forms of communication, expression and representation applicable to the creative arts. 4. Demonstrate a range of skills, tools and approaches to the use of creative arts in palliative care 5. Demonstrate the flexibility to be able to act in a wide and often unpredictable variety of ill-defined contexts. 6. Critically appraiseand evaluate creative arts work in palliative care. |
10 | Elective |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for undertaking this programme are:
Honours Degree (H2.2) in any health or social care discipline or recognised cognate professional qualification.
A minimum of one year’s experience in delivering a palliative care approach within practice within the last two years.
Be employed for the duration of the course in an area where the principles of palliative care are operationalized when caring for individuals with life threatening illness and their families. An example of such may be; Acute Hospitals, community hospitals, care homes, private practice, hospice and community health centers.
Applicants other than nurses, must be employed in a practice area which allows interaction with patients who have palliative/end of life care needs and, where appropriate, be registered with their respective professional body.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants may use RPL as a means of accessing the programme. They can also use RPL to gain exemptions. RPL can either be certified or experiential.
ATU Mayo will assess individual applicants on a case-by-case basis, in line with the RPL Policy. RPL application is via the www.myexperience.ie website.
For Registered Nurses Only
An additional checklist needs to be completed by the applicant’s Director of Nursing.
This checklist relates to mentoring support within the practice placement module and organisation support for the applicant.
It is an essential requirement that this checklist is completed.
Careers
Having completed this programme graduates will have developed enhanced contextual, cultural and professional insights into palliative and end of life care and will be equipped with a set of skills that will have a direct impact in the quality of care offered to persons and families in need of palliative and end of life care in your work area. These roles vary across the spectrum of health and social care.
Graduates of this programme will advance their career prospects in terms of promotion eligibility and post-graduate training. This may be in areas of management, practice development and/or specialist clinical areas such as palliative care.
On completion of the programme, registered nurses who meet the criteria may be eligible to apply for clinical nurse specialist in palliative care.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This is programme designed for professionals working in areas that cater for people in palliative and/or end of life care. This includes doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, managers and healthcare assistants.
Contact Information
Daniel Caldwell
E: daniel.caldwell@atu.ie