Palliative Care for Children/Young People with a Life Limiting Illness

Module code: NUR7029-C

Module Aims       

To enhance and develop specialised knowledge of the concept of palliative care and the skills required to effectively manage symptom control for children and young people (CYP).
To communicate effectively within a multi-professional service framework to deliver care for children and young people who have a life-limiting illness, and their families.

Outline Syllabus  

Defining the concept of palliative care and life-limiting illness.Child/family understanding of death, dying and bereavement - impact on individual within family.Child/family perspectives of palliative care service provision - support, roles, care and partnership working.Cultural/spiritual perspectives.Transition to adulthood - child versus. adult needs/decision making - competence.Professional roles, responsibility and accountability in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating effective multi-professional, service provision.Holistic/developmental approach to caring for the child/young person.Altered physiology, pathophysiology, symptom control and management - policy and guidance, non-pharmacological/pharmacological interventions.Pain assessment tools, physiology of pain, factors affecting pain.Effective documentation and record keeping. Giving/receiving bad news - diagnosis and end of life decisions - ethical and professional issues.Practical/procedural implications of death.Home, hospital and hospice care.Care and support of informal/formal carers - burn out.Current and relevant policy, legislation and guidance specific to palliative care in children/young people.

Download the PDF for Palliative Care for Children with a Life Limiting Illness