ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care is a globally recognised qualification designed for healthcare professionals and caregivers who provide compassionate support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. This specialised course focuses on the essential principles, values, and practices of palliative and end-of-life care, enabling learners to deliver high-quality, person-centred services that respect dignity, comfort, and emotional well-being.

Through a structured and practical learning approach, participants gain advanced knowledge in pain management, communication strategies, ethical decision-making, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The programme also highlights the importance of holistic care—addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families during the final stages of life.

This qualification aligns with international healthcare standards and is ideal for nurses, healthcare assistants, social care workers, and support staff seeking to enhance their professional expertise. It strengthens both competence and confidence in providing end-of-life support within hospitals, hospices, and community care settings.

Upon successful completion, learners will be equipped with the skills and sensitivity required to deliver compassionate care, uphold ethical standards, and contribute positively to improving the quality of life for individuals in their final journey. The ICTQual Level 3 Award represents a meaningful step towards professional excellence and human-centred healthcare practice.

Course Overview

Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care

To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background:A high school diploma or equivalent qualification is generally required. Learners should demonstrate basic competency in literacy and numeracy, enabling them to understand course content, complete written assessments, and interpret essential healthcare information.
  • Professional Experience:Although not mandatory, prior experience in healthcare, social care, or related support roles is highly beneficial. Candidates with experience in caring for terminally ill patients, elderly individuals, or those in hospice settings will find the course particularly relevant.
  • English Proficiency:As the programme is delivered in English, learners should possess good written and spoken English skills to participate effectively in discussions, comprehend materials, and complete evaluations.
  • Additional Requirement:Learners may also be asked to provide proof of identity and educational or professional references. A genuine interest in palliative and compassionate care is essential, along with the ability to handle emotionally sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Palliative Care
  2. Communication Skills in Palliative Care
  3. Ethical and Legal Issues in End-of-Life Care
  4. Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Care
  5. Teamwork and Collaboration in Palliative Care
  6. Care Planning and Support for Patients and Families

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

1. Principles of Palliative Care

  • Understand the philosophy, scope, and objectives of palliative and end-of-life care.
  • Explain the importance of a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of professionals involved in palliative care delivery.
  • Demonstrate understanding of pain and symptom management principles for improving patient comfort.
  • Evaluate the impact of cultural, personal, and ethical values on palliative care practices.

2. Communication Skills in Palliative Care

  • Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
  • Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and sensitivity in difficult or emotional conversations.
  • Identify communication barriers and apply strategies to overcome them in care settings.
  • Understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respect in all communications.
  • Use communication techniques to support patients in expressing their needs, preferences, and concerns.

3. Ethical and Legal Issues in End-of-Life Care

  • Understand key ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and dignity in end-of-life decisions.
  • Recognize relevant legal frameworks governing palliative and end-of-life care.
  • Demonstrate awareness of patients’ rights and informed consent in care planning.
  • Evaluate ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in palliative care practice.
  • Apply professional standards to ensure safe, lawful, and compassionate care delivery.

4. Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Care

  • Identify the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and families.
  • Provide support to help patients cope with fear, anxiety, and grief.
  • Recognize the importance of spiritual care and cultural sensitivity in end-of-life settings.
  • Understand the role of family and social networks in providing holistic support.
  • Develop approaches to promote dignity, comfort, and inner peace for patients nearing the end of life.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration in Palliative Care

  • Understand the roles of multidisciplinary teams in delivering effective palliative care.
  • Demonstrate teamwork and communication skills essential for coordinated care.
  • Recognize the value of shared decision-making among professionals, patients, and families.
  • Apply collaboration strategies to ensure consistency and quality in care delivery.
  • Reflect on the importance of peer support, supervision, and professional well-being in palliative care settings.

6. Care Planning and Support for Patients and Families

  • Understand the process of assessing patient needs and developing individualized care plans.
  • Support families in decision-making, coping, and bereavement processes.
  • Implement strategies to ensure continuity and quality of care at all stages of illness.
  • Evaluate care plans regularly to respond to changing patient conditions and preferences.
  • Promote compassionate support that enhances the quality of life for patients and their loved ones.

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care provides a strong foundation for individuals seeking to advance their professional development in healthcare and social care settings. This qualification not only enhances learners’ understanding of palliative care principles but also prepares them for higher-level responsibilities in patient support, healthcare management, and community care. It is designed to open diverse career and study pathways that build upon the skills, compassion, and knowledge gained through this course.

1. Progression to Advanced Professional Qualifications

  • Learners can progress to higher-level vocational training in healthcare, community health, or social care.
  • The qualification supports development towards senior roles within care organisations, hospices, and clinical support teams.
  • It serves as a stepping stone for further certifications in patient care, nursing support, or health service coordination.
  • Advanced training opportunities may include areas such as pain management, geriatric care, or clinical supervision.
  • Learners gain the competence to handle more complex responsibilities in end-of-life and palliative care environments.

2. Career Advancement Opportunities

  • Graduates can pursue professional growth as senior healthcare assistants, palliative care support workers, or care coordinators.
  • The qualification enhances employability within hospitals, hospices, residential homes, and community care centres.
  • Learners become eligible for leadership and mentoring roles within multidisciplinary care teams.
  • Employers often recognise this award as evidence of strong ethical and compassionate care skills.
  • It helps professionals build credibility and confidence to manage patient-centred care plans effectively.

3. Continued Professional Development (CPD)

  • Learners can use this qualification to meet continuing professional development (CPD) requirements in healthcare roles.
  • It promotes lifelong learning and encourages engagement in workshops, seminars, and short training courses.
  • Participants can expand their expertise in areas such as bereavement support, counselling, or mental health awareness.
  • The qualification fosters reflection and self-assessment to continuously improve care quality.
  • CPD activities also support compliance with workplace and regulatory healthcare standards.

4. Pathway to Leadership and Supervisory Roles

  • The skills gained prepare learners to take on supervisory or leadership roles within care teams.
  • Learners develop the ability to guide and mentor junior staff in palliative and end-of-life settings.
  • The qualification enhances understanding of ethical leadership and decision-making in sensitive care environments.
  • It supports professional growth for those seeking greater responsibility in planning and managing care delivery.
  • Graduates gain confidence to contribute to policy implementation and service improvement initiatives.

5. Opportunities in Community and Voluntary Sectors

  • The qualification enables learners to engage in community outreach, volunteer coordination, and patient advocacy roles.
  • It provides essential knowledge for those supporting patients and families in home-based or hospice care.
  • Learners can collaborate with local health services and charitable organisations to promote compassionate care.
  • The programme encourages involvement in initiatives that raise awareness of palliative care needs.
  • Graduates can make meaningful contributions to improving community-based end-of-life support systems.

6. Personal and Professional Growth

  • The course fosters empathy, communication, and resilience—key skills for both personal and professional life.
  • Learners gain emotional intelligence to manage sensitive and challenging healthcare situations.
  • It supports the development of ethical integrity and patient-centred care values.
  • The qualification inspires a deeper understanding of the human experience of illness, death, and bereavement.
  • Graduates emerge as compassionate and capable professionals dedicated to improving quality of life in palliative care contexts.

FAQs

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care is ideal for individuals working or aspiring to work in healthcare, social care, or community care settings. It is designed for nurses, healthcare assistants, care workers, hospice staff, and volunteers who wish to enhance their understanding of compassionate, patient-centred care. This course is also suitable for those seeking to develop professional skills in supporting individuals and families during end-of-life situations.

This qualification provides learners with essential knowledge and practical skills to deliver high-quality, holistic palliative care. It strengthens communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making abilities while promoting best practices in pain management and emotional support. Learners gain confidence in working within multidisciplinary teams and develop a deeper understanding of the psychological and spiritual needs of patients. Additionally, this internationally recognised qualification enhances employability and supports professional progression in healthcare and social support roles.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care is a 3-day 9-hour training program. This Training program has mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centres.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But the final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in End-of-Life and Palliative Care includes quizzes consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and ability to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%.