Palliative & End of Life Care Course

Palliative and End of Life Care – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory online course explores the principles of palliative and end of life care, focusing on supporting comfort, dignity and quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses. Learners will develop an understanding of care planning, communication, individual wishes and preferences, collaborative working and the emotional challenges associated with loss and bereavement. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is CPD accredited, with one CPD point awarded.

Please note: This is introductory Level 1 training designed to develop awareness and theoretical knowledge of palliative and end of life care. It does not replace practical, regulated or role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to palliative and end of life care
• The purpose and benefits of palliative care
• Different levels of palliative care
• Palliative care competencies
• Core principles of palliative care
• Communication in palliative care settings
• Communication considerations when supporting individuals
• Promoting comfort and quality of life
• Care planning and collaborative practice
• Loss, grief and bereavement
• Professional and ethical practice
• Respecting individual wishes and preferences

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people involved in health, social care and support who want to develop their understanding of palliative and end of life care. It is particularly relevant to:
• Nurses and nursing assistants
• Doctors and general practitioners
• Social workers and care coordinators
• Palliative care professionals
• Hospice staff and volunteers
• Bereavement support workers
• Family members and informal caregivers
• Community and charity support workers
• Health and social care educators
• Staff undertaking induction or refresher training

Practical benefits
• Develop awareness of the principles of compassionate end of life care
• Understand the importance of comfort, dignity and quality of life
• Recognise the value of effective communication with individuals and families
• Appreciate the role of care planning and collaborative working
• Understand the importance of respecting personal wishes and preferences
• Develop awareness of grief, loss and bereavement
• Strengthen understanding of professional and ethical considerations in care settings

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the main principles and terminology associated with palliative and end of life care
• Recognise the importance of this care in everyday practice
• Identify common concerns and situations relevant to the topic
• Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles in workplace situations
• Communicate effectively with relevant people when concerns arise
• Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation may be required
• Understand the importance of care planning and collaborative practice
• Recognise the value of individual wishes, comfort and quality of life
• Develop awareness of the emotional considerations associated with loss and bereavement

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. On successful completion, learners receive a free CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed. A hard-copy certificate can also be requested. The course is suitable for induction, refresher training, awareness and knowledge enhancement.