Faculty of Health

This 15 credit level 4 module intends to address the elements of evidence-based symptom management, the issues surrounding place of care and the needs of the bereaved, as well as the importance of critically evaluating the outcome of care. The recent End of Life Strategy (DH, 2008) advocates that all people at the end of life should have their needs acknowledged and not experience any unnecessary pain or other symptoms. Also, that they and their families should receive practical and emotional support, both during the end of life phase and after bereavement. Furthermore, measurement and evaluation of end of life care provision is seen as a key lever for positive change and progress. This module will be delivered utilising a blended learning approach.

This module is available as a compulsory core within Postgraduate Certificate in End of Life Care, MSc Nursing Studies and MSc Clinical Practice.

To demonstrate a critical understanding of palliative symptom management in end of life care.

To develop a critical appreciation of place of care and patient choice and priorities in end of life care

To critically consider responses to grief and bereavement

To demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of evaluating quality and outcomes in end of life care

Current professional registration or equivalent
Current professional role in providing end of life care
Evidence of Level 3 academic work or equivalent

Evidence-based clinical practice
Priorities of care
Palliative interventions
Pharmacological symptom management
Non-pharmacological symptom management
Complimentary therapies
Place of care and patient choice
Grief reactions / responses to bereavement
Issues of exclusion and risk in bereavement
Evaluating quality and outcomes of care

Direct teacher contact: Through a blended learning strategy which will include classroom sessions, web-based learning, telephone or face-to-face tutorial contact (50hrs)

Directed study on theoretical aspects of end of life care (50hrs)

Self-directed study and essay preparation (50hrs)