ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM)

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) is a comprehensive programme designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in palliative care, end-of-life support, and hospice medicine. This qualification is ideal for learners seeking to specialise in compassionate patient care, symptom management, and holistic healthcare approaches for individuals with life-limiting conditions.

Learners will explore the principles and practices of palliative care, including pain management, emotional support, ethical decision-making, and communication strategies with patients and families. The course emphasises the development of practical competencies to deliver safe, patient-centred, and evidence-based care in both hospice and clinical settings.

This diploma is particularly valuable for healthcare professionals, clinical practitioners, and learners aspiring to work in hospices, hospitals, community care, and palliative care units. The programme addresses the growing need for skilled professionals who can provide dignified care, improve quality of life, and support patients and families during critical and end-of-life stages.

By completing this qualification, learners gain practical competence in symptom assessment, care planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical practice. They also develop essential skills in communication, empathy, and leadership within palliative care teams. The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine equips learners with the knowledge and expertise needed to advance their careers, enhance patient outcomes, and pursue further professional or academic progression in palliative care, hospice medicine, and compassionate healthcare practice.

Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM)

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

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: Learners should have a minimum of a Level 2 qualification in health sciences, nursing, medicine, social care, or a related field. Relevant experience in clinical, hospice, or community care settings is beneficial.
  • Work Experience: Learners must have prior experience in healthcare, hospice care, community care, or patient support to ensure practical readiness and effective application of palliative care principles.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate competency in English (reading, writing, comprehension) sufficient to engage with course materials and complete assessments. An IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent is recommended for international learners.
  • Technical Requirements: Access to a computer or device with reliable internet connectivity for online learning, research, and assessment submission.

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

  1. Principles and Philosophy of Palliative Care
  2. Pain and Symptom Management
  3. Communication Skills and Emotional Support
  4. Ethical and Legal Aspects in Palliative Care
  5. Hospice Care and End-of-Life Planning
  6. Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Professional Practice

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Principles and Philosophy of Palliative Care

  • Understand the fundamental principles, philosophy, and goals of palliative care and hospice medicine.
  • Analyse the holistic approach to patient care, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
  • Recognise the role of palliative care in improving quality of life for patients with life-limiting conditions.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to plan and deliver compassionate, patient-centred care.

Pain and Symptom Management

  • Develop competence in assessing, monitoring, and managing pain in palliative and hospice settings.
  • Understand pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for symptom relief.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to manage physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms.
  • Evaluate patient responses to interventions and adjust care plans accordingly.

Communication Skills and Emotional Support

  • Develop effective communication strategies with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Provide emotional support, counselling, and guidance to patients and their loved ones.
  • Recognise and respond to psychological distress, grief, and bereavement.
  • Promote patient dignity and autonomy through empathetic and respectful communication.

Ethical and Legal Aspects in Palliative Care

  • Understand ethical principles, legal frameworks, and professional responsibilities in palliative care.
  • Apply ethical decision-making in complex care situations, including end-of-life choices.
  • Recognise issues related to consent, confidentiality, and patient rights.
  • Integrate ethical and legal considerations into clinical practice and care planning.

Hospice Care and End-of-Life Planning

  • Understand the structure, purpose, and services of hospice care.
  • Develop skills in care planning, advanced directives, and end-of-life decision-making.
  • Provide compassionate support for patients transitioning to end-of-life care.
  • Apply best practices to enhance patient comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Professional Practice

  • Collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals, social workers, and support teams.
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the multidisciplinary team in palliative care.
  • Promote professional development, reflective practice, and continuous learning.
  • Ensure safe, ethical, and high-quality care delivery in hospice and palliative care settings.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine equips learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in end-of-life care, symptom management, and holistic patient support. This qualification provides a strong foundation for career development, specialisation, and further academic opportunities in palliative care, hospice medicine, and compassionate healthcare.

1. Advanced Healthcare and Specialised Qualifications

  • Progress to Level 4 or Level 5 diplomas in palliative care, hospice medicine, or advanced clinical practice.
  • Gain specialised expertise in pain management, symptom control, and end-of-life planning.
  • Prepare for professional certifications in palliative and hospice care, enhancing clinical competence and credibility.

2. Specialised Clinical and Hospice Roles

  • Pursue roles such as palliative care practitioner, hospice nurse, end-of-life care coordinator, or clinical consultant.
  • Apply practical skills to assess, manage, and support patients with life-limiting conditions.
  • Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, hospices, community care, and home-based palliative services.

3. Research and Academic Opportunities

  • Engage in clinical research, case studies, or quality improvement projects related to palliative and hospice care.
  • Explore innovations in pain management, patient comfort, and end-of-life care strategies.
  • Pursue higher academic studies in palliative care, hospice medicine, or healthcare leadership at Level 4, 5, or beyond.

4. Community and Patient-Centred Care

  • Work in hospitals, hospices, or community programmes to provide emotional support, patient education, and compassionate care.
  • Promote awareness of holistic care approaches, dignity, and quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
  • Implement strategies for family support, grief counselling, and bereavement care.

5. Professional Development and Leadership

  • Develop leadership skills for coordinating palliative care teams or managing hospice services.
  • Take on roles overseeing patient care standards, ethical practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
  • Enhance career prospects through recognised qualifications, specialised skills, and practical expertise in palliative care and hospice medicine.

This structured progression ensures learners can advance professionally, specialise in palliative and hospice care, and make a meaningful impact in patient and community healthcare settings.

FAQs

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine is designed for learners seeking advanced knowledge and practical skills in end-of-life care, symptom management, and holistic patient support. It is ideal for healthcare professionals, clinical practitioners, and learners aspiring to specialise in palliative or hospice care.

  • Minimum Age: 18 years or older.
  • Educational Background: Level 2 qualifications in health sciences, nursing, medicine, social care, or related subjects. Relevant experience in clinical, hospice, or community care is advantageous.
  • Professional Experience: Prior exposure to healthcare or patient support enhances learning is mandatory.
  • Language Proficiency: Competency in English (reading, writing, comprehension) is required. An IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent is recommended for international learners.
  • Additional Requirements: Commitment to ethical practice, patient dignity, compassionate care, and participation in practical exercises, case studies, and scenario-based learning.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) is 30 Credits training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip 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 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip 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%