Principles of Palliative Care Module

The Principles of Palliative Care Module was developed in response to evaluation and feedback from students on the Palliative Care Development programme which identified that theoretical and classroom type teaching was a missing element from the programme. After adding this to the syllabus in September 2006, the inclusion proved to be a real success for the students and by the beginning of 2007, the nursing education team had met with a local university to discuss the possibility of accrediting the theoretical elements of the programme.

In September 2007, the Principles of Palliative Care module was finally accredited and students were on their way to studying Palliative Care at degree level. As well as 3 Registered Nurses undertaking the hospice PCDP, the team were able to offer places on the theoretical module to nurses caring for palliative care patients outside of the hospice environment. 5 out of the 8 students that started the accredited course were from local healthcare providers, and 6 of them successfully passed gaining 20 credits at degree level. In the 2008 intake, there was a mixture of students from different clinical environments such as neighbouring hospices and 2 local Primary Care Trusts which made the group work and discussion very interesting!

Karen Sumpter adds, “It is an excellent opportunity for the hospice to work in partnership with other local healthcare providers in delivering specialist education for those nurses caring for dying patients within a generalist environment. For those students working at the hospice, it has been great to combine the work-based, clinical competency elements of the PCDP, with degree level study, making this a unique opportunity within specialist palliative care.”