ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM)

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM) is a specialised qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge and practical skills in palliative and end-of-life care. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to support patients with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life through compassionate and professional care.

Learners will explore the principles of palliative care, including pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and holistic patient care. The programme covers both clinical and psychosocial aspects of care, emphasising the importance of communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making when working with patients and their families. Learners will also gain insights into hospice care practices, care planning, and the integration of multidisciplinary approaches to support patient well-being.

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine is suitable for healthcare professionals, clinical support staff, carers, and those working in nursing homes, hospitals, or hospice settings who wish to specialise in end-of-life care. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, learners develop the skills to assess patient needs, implement care strategies, and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams to provide high-quality palliative and hospice care.

Upon completion, learners will be equipped to understand and manage the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients requiring palliative care. This qualification also serves as a foundation for further study or career progression in healthcare, nursing, social care, and allied health professions, helping learners build a specialised career in palliative care and hospice medicine while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Course overview

Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: A Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in healthcare, social care, or a related subject is recommended. Learners with a strong interest in palliative care may also be considered.
  • Work Experience: No prior experience in palliative care or hospice medicine is required. However, learners with a background in nursing, healthcare support, or social care may find the course particularly beneficial.
  • English Proficiency: As the course is delivered in English, learners should have good reading, writing, and communication skills. An IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent) is recommended for non-native English speakers.
  • Technical Requirements: Learners need access to a computer or smart device with internet connectivity to access online course materials, assessments, and interactive resources (if studying via online delivery).

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Introduction to Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine
  2. Principles of Pain Management and Symptom Control
  3. Psychological, Emotional, and Spiritual Support in Palliative Care
  4. Communication Skills and Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care
  5. Care Planning, Multidisciplinary Approaches, and Family Support
  6. End-of-Life Care, Bereavement, and Hospice Practices

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

1. Introduction to Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine

  • Understand the scope and importance of palliative and hospice care in healthcare.
  • Define key concepts, terminology, and principles in end-of-life care.
  • Recognise the role of palliative care in improving patient quality of life and supporting families.

2. Principles of Pain Management and Symptom Control

  • Understand methods for assessing and managing pain in patients with life-limiting illnesses.
  • Explain strategies for controlling symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and breathlessness.
  • Recognise the importance of personalised care plans to address individual patient needs.

3. Psychological, Emotional, and Spiritual Support in Palliative Care

  • Understand the emotional and psychological impact of terminal illness on patients and families.
  • Recognise strategies for providing emotional and spiritual support.
  • Apply techniques to enhance patient comfort and emotional wellbeing.

4. Communication Skills and Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care

  • Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  • Understand ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities in palliative care.
  • Apply principles of empathy, confidentiality, and patient-centred care in end-of-life scenarios.

5. Care Planning, Multidisciplinary Approaches, and Family Support

  • Understand the importance of care planning and coordination in palliative care.
  • Recognise the roles of different healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Apply strategies to support families and caregivers throughout the care process.

6. End-of-Life Care, Bereavement, and Hospice Practices

  • Understand hospice care principles and approaches to end-of-life support.
  • Recognise strategies for bereavement care and post-death support.
  • Apply best practices to ensure dignity, respect, and comfort for patients at the end of life.

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM) equips learners with essential knowledge and practical skills in end-of-life care, patient support, and hospice medicine. This qualification provides a strong foundation for further academic study or professional development, enabling learners to deliver compassionate care and contribute effectively to healthcare and social care settings.

Academic Progression

  • Progress to higher-level qualifications such as:
    • ICTQual AB Level 4 Diploma in Palliative Care or Hospice Medicine
    • Diplomas in Healthcare, Nursing, or Allied Health Professions
  • Pathway to advanced studies in:
    • Specialist Palliative Care
    • Nursing with a focus on end-of-life care
    • Social Care and Bereavement Support
    • Healthcare Management in hospice or palliative settings

Career Opportunities

  • Entry-level roles in healthcare and social care, including:
    • Clinical Support Worker in palliative care or hospice settings
    • Healthcare Assistant specialising in end-of-life care
    • Caregiver or Support Worker in nursing homes and hospices
    • Community Health Support roles for patients with life-limiting illnesses
  • Supporting roles in hospitals, hospices, community care centres, and home-based care services

Skills Development

  • Builds subject-specific knowledge in palliative care and hospice medicine
  • Enhances patient assessment, care planning, and symptom management skills
  • Strengthens communication, empathy, and professional practice with patients and families
  • Develops awareness of ethical, legal, and regulatory responsibilities in end-of-life care

FAQs

This course is suitable for aspiring healthcare professionals, clinical support staff, carers, and anyone working or interested in palliative and end-of-life care. It is also ideal for individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, or community care who wish to specialise in patient support and hospice medicine.

Learners must be 16 years or older and ideally hold a Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in healthcare, social care, or a related subject.No prior experience in palliative care is required. Learners should have good English proficiency and access to a computer or smart device with internet connectivity for online resources.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM) is 15 days training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM) in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Cert PCHM) consist of 6 mandatory assessments . These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%