ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM)

The ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) is a specialised, internationally recognised qualification designed for learners seeking advanced knowledge and practical expertise in end-of-life care, symptom management, and holistic patient support. This programme equips learners with the skills required to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care for patients with life-limiting conditions, while supporting families and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Delivered by ICTQual AB, an approved awarding organisation, the diploma provides learners with a credible qualification that enhances professional standing and career progression within hospitals, hospices, community care settings, and healthcare organisations globally.

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, clinical practitioners, and allied health staff who wish to specialise in palliative medicine or strengthen their capabilities in patient-centred care at the end of life. Learners will explore key areas including pain and symptom management, communication skills, psychosocial support, ethical and legal considerations, and advanced care planning. Emphasis is placed on integrating medical expertise with compassionate care, enabling learners to improve patient quality of life while addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

The ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine addresses the growing demand for skilled practitioners capable of providing high-quality palliative care across diverse clinical and community settings. Learners will gain advanced clinical reasoning, decision-making, and leadership skills, empowering them to manage complex cases, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the development of palliative care policies and programmes.

Upon completion, learners enhance their professional credibility and unlock opportunities for senior clinical roles, specialist positions, and further academic progression in palliative medicine, end-of-life care, and related healthcare fields. The programme is delivered through ICTQual AB-approved centres worldwide, offering flexible and accessible learning pathways for learners committed to excellence in palliative medicine and professional development.

Course overview

Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: Learners should hold a Level 5 qualification in medicine, nursing, healthcare, clinical practice, or a related medical discipline. Equivalent professional diplomas or certifications may also be considered.
  • Work Experience: Learners should have a minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in clinical care, nursing, healthcare, or palliative care settings. Prior exposure to patient management, end-of-life care, or symptom management is highly advantageous.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, to ensure comprehension of course materials and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  • Additional Requirement: Strong interpersonal, observational, and decision-making skills for patient assessment and care.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Principles and Scope of Palliative Medicine
  2. Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care
  3. Communication Skills and Psychosocial Support
  4. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in End-of-Life Care
  5. Advanced Care Planning and Multidisciplinary Team Management
  6. Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Palliative Medicine

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Principles and Scope of Palliative Medicine

  • Understand the core concepts, principles, and scope of palliative medicine.
  • Analyse the role of palliative care in improving patient quality of life and supporting families.
  • Evaluate the integration of palliative care within healthcare systems and community services.
  • Develop foundational knowledge to support effective end-of-life care practices.

Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care

  • Assess and manage physical, psychological, and spiritual symptoms in patients with life-limiting conditions.
  • Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for pain and symptom relief.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of symptom management interventions.
  • Implement patient-centred approaches to improve comfort and well-being.

Communication Skills and Psychosocial Support

  • Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Provide emotional, psychological, and social support to patients and caregivers.
  • Facilitate discussions on prognosis, care preferences, and end-of-life decisions.
  • Develop strategies to address cultural, spiritual, and individual patient needs.

Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in End-of-Life Care

  • Understand ethical principles and legal frameworks in palliative care practice.
  • Apply professional standards and responsibilities when delivering end-of-life care.
  • Analyse complex ethical dilemmas and make informed, patient-centred decisions.
  • Promote safe, compassionate, and legally compliant palliative care.

Advanced Care Planning and Multidisciplinary Team Management

  • Develop and implement advanced care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Coordinate care within multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient outcomes.
  • Evaluate patient progress and adjust care plans according to clinical guidelines.
  • Engage in collaborative decision-making with healthcare professionals and families.

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Palliative Medicine

  • Apply research methodologies to evaluate palliative care interventions and outcomes.
  • Integrate evidence-based practices into clinical decision-making.
  • Engage in reflective practice to improve professional competence and patient care.
  • Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, and innovations in palliative medicine.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine equips learners with advanced clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional credibility in end-of-life care, symptom management, and holistic patient support. This qualification prepares learners for senior clinical roles, specialist positions, and further academic progression within hospitals, hospices, community care settings, and healthcare organisations globally. Learners gain the expertise to manage complex cases, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the development and implementation of palliative care policies and programmes.

1. Senior Clinical Roles

  • Progress to roles such as senior palliative care nurse, clinical specialist, consultant in palliative medicine, or hospice lead.
  • Lead patient care teams in hospitals, hospices, and community care settings.
  • Take responsibility for managing complex cases and implementing evidence-based symptom management strategies.

2. Academic and Professional Development

  • Enrol in Level 7 postgraduate diplomas, or specialised certifications in palliative medicine, end-of-life care, or healthcare management.
  • Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay current with emerging practices and guidelines in palliative care.
  • Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance expertise and expand professional networks.

3. Leadership and Management Opportunities

  • Move into leadership, supervisory, or managerial positions in hospices, hospitals, or healthcare organisations.
  • Develop and implement palliative care protocols, patient care policies, and community initiatives.
  • Mentor and train junior practitioners or learners in palliative medicine and end-of-life care.

4. Specialisation and Research

  • Focus on specialised areas such as pain management, advanced symptom control, or psychosocial support.
  • Undertake research projects to advance evidence-based palliative care practices and policies.
  • Collaborate with healthcare institutions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals with life-limiting conditions.

FAQs

The ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative 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, doctors, nurses, clinical practitioners, and allied health staff who wish to specialise in palliative medicine or enhance their expertise in patient-centred care at the end of life.

  • Learners must meet the following requirements:
  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Hold a Level 5 qualification in medicine, nursing, healthcare, clinical practice, or a related discipline; equivalent professional diplomas may also be considered.
  • Have 2 years of practical experience in clinical care, nursing, healthcare, or palliative care settings.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
  • Commit to professional ethics and have access to a clinical, hospice, or community healthcare environment for practical learning.

ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) is 60 Credits training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) 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 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) 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%