MSc PgDip in Palliative MedicinePalliative Care  MSc PgDip in Palliative MedicinePalliative Care Cardiff University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1565261748Cardiff-University-2.jpg

Course Aims: Cardiff University offers two levels of qualification in Palliative MedicineCare. The courses have been specifically designed for the varying needs of busy practitioners working in differing clinical settings across the globe. The Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative MedicineCare is designed for professionals who wish to gain expertise in the practical management of patients with non-curable and terminal illness. The principles of reflective practice and learning underpin the Diploma. A major aim in the teaching programme is to encourage thought and discussion and equip students with practical and factual knowledge, and also provide an evidence-based approach to problems in palliative care. The MSc in Palliative MedicineCare draws on the knowledge and skill-base developed in the Postgraduate Diploma, with the specific intention of expanding students? understanding of scientific method research and critical appraisal. The MSc reinforces this self-directed approach with appropriate tutor and supervisor support. Course Description: There are two pathways available: ? The Postgraduate DiplomaMSc in Palliative Medicine (open to doctors) ? The Postgraduate DiplomaMSc in Palliative Care (open to non-medical healthcare professionals The two pathways overlap in many ways. The residential teaching for both Diplomas is held as a multidisciplinary event and many of the modules are available to all students. The Diploma Stage The Postgraduate Diplomas offer students the option to study palliative medicinecare in either adults or children. In recognition of paediatric palliative medicine becoming a sub-speciality, paediatric palliative care is now integrated throughout the diploma course. The course is able to offer a brief overview of paediatric palliative care for generalists with an interest or more in depth study for those who specialise in paediatric palliative care. The Postgraduate Diplomas are designed for professionals who wish to gain expertise in the practical management of patients with incurable and terminal illness. The programme is delivered over two academic years and aims to include learning about many aspects of palliative care practice. The Diplomas are delivered largely through distanceelectronic learning. The educational resources are accessed through a password-secure personal web space allocated to students. Students correspond with tutors by email telephone or discussion board and submit their coursework electronically. This makes the course particularly suitable for busy healthcare professionals in all regions of the world. Each year of the Diploma has a two-day compulsory residential teaching block held in Wales (and in other centres across world, when the geographical distribution and numbers of students permit). The residential teaching block allows topical issues to be discussed in small groups. A holistic approach to patient care is adopted throughout, with an emphasis on reflective practice where the student is encouraged to consider all aspects of their patients? care. Module topics include: Pain and Symptom Control Psychosocial Care Understanding the Evidence: Ethics HIV and Aids End-Stage Cardiac End Stage Respiratory End Stage Neurological and End Stage Renal Disease: Communication Skills Oncology and Haematology Advanced Practice. For those students undertaking the diploma in palliative medicine care (paediatric option) paediatrics is integrated throughout the course and in addition there are 2 optional paediatric modules. Diploma Assessment: consists of a mixture of formative and summative assessments which include extended match questions, written assignments and a communication skills videoDVD-based assessment. All applicants must commence the diploma at Year One, except in cases where there is accreditation of prior learning. We have a procedure for accreditation of prior learning (APL) gained from other educational institutions, but we do not presently recognise experi