Overview

This micro-credential aims to give students the opportunity to explore what life- limiting illness means in the context of childhood and gain an overview of the key concepts which make palliative care for children different to palliative care for adults. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the range of complex illnesses which affect children, and for whom palliative care may be required. This micro-credential will also consider the incidence and prevalence of life limiting illness for children in Ireland and gain understand of how this specialty has evolved internationally and nationally over the last number of years.  This micro-credential is multidisciplinary and welcomes applications from healthcare professionals from the wider multidisciplinary team including paediatric settings, palliative care, disability, special needs schools and children's respite centres.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 21 years of age and be a Registered Healthcare Professional. Students must be currently working with children at end of life who have a life limiting illness. Students must also complete a 3-day placement in a paediatric palliative care setting. Evidence of professional qualifications as well as Manager Support documentation is required when applying for the module.

Garda vetting is required for this module. This will be organised by the University of Galway after you have registered for your studies. Also the following information will be sought following acceptance of your place :
         1.  Certificate of your immunisation status
         2.  Evidence of Children First certification
         3.  Moving and Handling certification
         4.  Signed Confidentiality agreement for Childrens Hospitals Ireland

What you will Learn

• Unit 1 focuses on key definitions and gives an introduction to the concept of life-limiting illness in childhood.
• Unit 2 explores the meaning of family-centred care and looks at the needs of core care groups such as siblings and adolescents.
• Unit 3 reflects the value of multi-agency working and the important role of the voluntary sector in end-of-life care for children. It also provides a critical reflection on the Irish policy on children’s palliative care.
• Unit 4 explores the principles of symptom management applied to children, including the supportive care of the child and family in terminal illness.
• Unit 5 considers the dimensions of grief, loss and bereavement as experienced by children and their families

Course Outcomes
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level 9.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate a conceptual framework for practice which sees child and family as the unit of care
2. Demonstrate a contextual understanding of child development in relation to life-limiting illness and its consequences
3. Develop strategies for advanced communication skills to support the child and family in need
4. Identify and respond to issues of grief and loss in a family context
5. Critically appraise the policy dimension of care for children at end-of-life
6. Explain the value of multi-agency support in the care of the child and family with life-limiting illness
7. Explore the principles regarding the breaking of bad news and identify strategies which support best practice in breaking bad news
8. Explore key theories of bereavement and loss in contemporary society
9. Recognise the influence of social structure and culture on grief responses
10. Articulate the nature of grief work and the role of the palliative care practitioners in supporting families in grief and loss
11. Identify the key components of complicated grief and the appropriate palliative care response

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Mari Moran
Administrative Assistant (Wed & Fri)
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Áras Moyola | University of Galway
Phone: +353 91 49 3740

Email: Mari Moran

How to Apply

From the 1st April 2025, you can apply for this micro-credential through our Online Application Portal.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

Online Application Portal will be open from April to the end of June

Learn more about our application process.

Academic level: Micro-credentials and CPD
College/Interest type: Healthcare & Medicine
Academic programme: Choose the right micro-credential from the list

See also Nursing & Midwifery How to Apply 

On page 2 of the application the Couse instance is Nursing & Midwifery Micro-credentials September PFC1