The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their expertise in providing compassionate, patient-centred care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; instead, it is tailored for experienced learners who are committed to advancing their career prospects, deepening their knowledge, and strengthening their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the field of palliative and hospice care.
The qualification focuses on key aspects of palliative medicine, including pain and symptom management, psychosocial support, ethical considerations, and holistic approaches to end-of-life care. It equips learners with the professional skills required to improve the quality of life for patients and provide essential support to families and caregivers. By combining theory with practical application, this diploma prepares learners to deliver care that is dignified, respectful, and aligned with international standards of best practice.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) must maintain high standards of training and academic delivery. This includes employing competent and qualified teaching staff with specialist expertise, and ensuring access to comprehensive learning resources, case studies, and supportive learning environments. Centres must also have effective assessment systems, learner support services, and robust quality assurance processes in place to guarantee excellence in teaching and learner success.
This internationally recognised qualification provides a valuable pathway for healthcare professionals dedicated to improving palliative and hospice care, enabling them to play a vital role in enhancing patient wellbeing and advancing global healthcare standards.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200898
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200898-1 |
Principles and Philosophy of Palliative Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200898-2 |
Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Medicine |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200898-3 |
Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200898-4 |
Communication Skills and Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200898-5 |
Interdisciplinary Teamwork and Family Support |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200898-6 |
Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice in Hospice Medicine |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles and Philosophy of Palliative Care
- Understand the core principles and philosophy of palliative and hospice medicine.
- Explain the role of palliative care in improving quality of life for patients and families.
- Recognise the importance of holistic, patient-centred care in advanced illness.
- Analyse historical and contemporary developments in palliative medicine.
Unit 2: Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Medicine
- Identify common symptoms experienced by patients in palliative care.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain management.
- Apply evidence-based practices for controlling breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms.
- Evaluate the importance of individualised care plans for symptom relief.
Unit 3: Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Care
- Recognise the psychological and emotional challenges faced by patients and families.
- Assess the impact of cultural and spiritual beliefs on end-of-life care.
- Develop strategies to provide emotional, spiritual, and cultural support.
- Evaluate the importance of compassion, empathy, and resilience in caregiving.
Unit 4: Communication Skills and Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Understand ethical issues such as consent, autonomy, and advanced care planning.
- Evaluate strategies for delivering difficult news with sensitivity.
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality, dignity, and respect in end-of-life care.
Unit 5: Interdisciplinary Teamwork and Family Support
- Understand the role of interdisciplinary teams in delivering holistic palliative care.
- Evaluate methods for collaboration between healthcare professionals, carers, and family members.
- Analyse strategies for supporting families during illness and bereavement.
- Demonstrate skills in conflict resolution and effective team communication.
Unit 6: Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice in Hospice Medicine
- Understand the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in palliative medicine.
- Evaluate the role of research and evidence-based practice in hospice care delivery.
- Develop strategies to enhance personal and professional growth in end-of-life care.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply reflective practice to improve patient outcomes.
- Healthcare professionals seeking to specialise in palliative care and hospice medicine.
- Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals aiming to enhance their skills in end-of-life care.
- Professionals working in hospitals, hospices, community health, and home-care settings.
- Medical practitioners looking to expand their knowledge of pain management and symptom control.
- Social workers, counsellors, and carers involved in psychosocial and spiritual support for patients and families.
- Senior healthcare staff committed to interdisciplinary teamwork and ethical practice in palliative care.
- Learners aiming to advance their career prospects and demonstrate Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Organisations and professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting conditions.
To successfully deliver the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM), centres must meet specific standards to ensure learners receive high-quality training and support. Approved centres are expected to demonstrate the following:
- Qualified and Competent Staff – Trainers, assessors, and academic staff must hold relevant qualifications in palliative care, hospice medicine, or healthcare, along with practical experience in the sector.
- Adequate Learning Resources – Centres should provide access to up-to-date learning materials, case studies, journals, and digital resources to support effective teaching and learner development.
- Practical Training Facilities – Where applicable, centres must have facilities that simulate real-world healthcare and palliative care environments to aid in skill development.
- Robust Quality Assurance Systems – Centres must have policies in place for assessment, feedback, and learner support to maintain academic integrity and ensure consistent delivery.
- Learner Support Services – Guidance, mentoring, and academic support must be available to help learners achieve successful outcomes.
- Access to Technology and Digital Platforms – Centres should provide learners with online learning options, assessment tools, and e-resources to enhance flexibility and accessibility.
- Commitment to CPD and Evidence-Based Practice – Centres must encourage both staff and learners to engage in continuous professional development and utilise the latest research in palliative care.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards – All delivery must adhere to LICQual quality frameworks, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
