1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and evaluation of the policy and principles of holistic palliative and end of life care for the individual in society.
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate contemporary literature on the effectiveness of the delivery of palliative and end of life care services and how this may be altered or enhanced to benefit the patient experience.
3. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on your own practice and make recommendations on how to apply new knowledge gained to potentially improve patient care.

A 3000 word-assignment demonstrating a critical evaluation of the current provision of palliative and end of life care in the United Kingdom. (Addresses learning outcomes 1 & 2).
1000 word reflective portfolio focusing on one aspect of learning to demonstrate the value of holistic patient care (Addresses learning outcome 3).

Both elements must be passed

Formative Assessment: Professional discussion of the reflective portfolio with other students and module tutor.

Concepts and definitions of palliative and end of life care will be explored as well as current policy development in palliative and end of life care both locally and nationally and current legal, ethical and professional issues in palliative and end of life care.

The module will address the common core principles for holistic palliative and end of life care through effective holistic assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for groups of patients in a variety of practice settings. The focus will be on having the foresight to develop appropriate palliative ad end of life care provision in your areas of practice.

You will gain an understanding of the nature and relief of suffering from physical, emotional psychological and spiritual perspectives to inform your practice or the practice of your team.

Pain and symptom management in advanced disease including, assessment, management, monitoring and review will be explored. Problem solving and decision making in challenging areas will be explored, for example dyspnoea, anorexia, constipation, wound management and end of life care emergencies.

Multi professional and multi-agency team working and decision making in partnership with the patient, families, carers and team members, in order to provide coordinated care.

You will examine how to acknowledge the physical and psychological responses to loss and bereavement across all age ranges, genders and cultures ad be able to develop a culture to meet the varying needs of your client group.

Encourage ongoing sensitive and thoughtful conversations around end of life care wishes and advance care planning both between patient and relatives and health care professionals.

Ensure patients¿ needs are met and their preferences respected in accordance with the codes of practice such as the HCPC, NMC.

Promote autonomy and empower patients to make decisions about their end of life care.

The importance of staff support, supervision and continuing professional development when delivering palliative and end of life care will be explored.

This module will be taught at St Giles Hospice.

Get the concepts and definitions of palliative and end of life care that you need to provide the best service in your career as a health professional and gain an understanding of the nature and relief of suffering from physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual perspectives.

In this module, you will explore current policy development in palliative and end of life care both locally and nationally and current legal, ethical, and professional issues in palliative and end of life care. You will be given the tools to acknowledge the physical and psychological responses to loss and bereavement, as well as the decision making and techniques to converse with patients of all ages sensitively and thoughtfully on topics including end of life decisions.

The module will also address the common core principles for holistic palliative and end of life care through effective holistic assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients in a variety of practice settings.

Contact Hours: (36)
24 hours interactive lectures / specialist lectures / peer group learning / experiential learning
12 hours debate / seminars / reflection / tutorials

Independent Study Hours: (164) which will include:
50 hours Background reading
Including Blackboard Resources/Reading
40 Assignment Preparation
9 hours Prep for Lead Lectures/Case Studies
15 hours Literature searching

Hockley, J. Froggatt, K. Heimerl, K. (eds) (2013) Participatory Research in Palliative care ¿actions & reflections. Oxford University Press.

NHS England (2021) Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care: A national framework for local action 2021-2026. Available at: NHS England » Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care: A national framework for local action 2021-2026

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2021). End of Life Care for Adults Quality Standard (QS13).

Nichol, J., Nyatanga, B. (2017). Palliative and End of Life Care in Nursing, Transforming Nursing Practice. Sage. London

Pryde, N. (2022) Enhanced Palliative Care: A handbook for paramedics, nurses and doctors. Class Professional Publishing.

Walshe, C. Preston, N and Johnstone, B. (eds) (2018) Palliative Care Nursing. Open University Press. London

Wilcock, A. Howard, P. and Charlesworth, S. (eds) (2022) Palliative Care Formulary. Pharmaceutical Press.

WMCARES (2022) Palliative Care Guide. Available at: wmpcp – West Midlands Palliative Care (westmidspallcare.co.uk)

Blackboard Ultra

St Giles Hospice teaching facilities

Working in Health and Social Care