Designed for Health Care Assistants/Support Workers/Nursing Assistants, from various care settings, whose role may include providing care for and supporting patients with a life limiting illness.
This course provides the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate development in palliative and end of life care.
CONTENT
Definitions of Palliative and End of Life Care
Communication skills
Advance Care Planning
Spirituality
Recognising dying
Symptoms at the end of life
Skin integrity
Oral hygiene
Nutrition and Hydration
Care after death
Reflection
AIMS AND OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, participants will be able to -
Describe what palliative and end of life care is and how it relates to their current role
Develop communication skills which will aid compassionate care of the patient and those important to them.
Understand what advance care planning is and how they might contribute to this
Understand the significance of assessing spiritual needs to promote holistic care
List the common signs which indicate a patient is actively dying
Have an awareness of the 5 most common symptoms at the end of life and the non-pharmacological management of these
Understand the importance of good oral hygiene at the end of life and how this can be achieved
Understand the potential skin changes in the dying patient
Understand why the need for food and drink diminishes in the last few days of life
List own responsibilities in relation to promoting dignified care after death
Reflect on own practice and identify learning which will assist in implementing change within their workplace
