The European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care Alistair

The European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care Alistair Duncan Specialist Pharmacist in Palliative Care

The course ……………… • • • Started 2001 In Belfast from Autumn 2003 In Birmingham from Spring 2006 In Londonderry from Spring 2009 In Ireland from Spring 2009 In Aberdeen from Spring 2012 In Malta from Autumn 2012 In Berkhamsted Spring 2015 In Leeds Spring 2017 – In excess of 4500 successful candidates – Also modified version delivered in India (3000+ candidates), Nepal , Cyprus and Kyrgyzstan 4

When does it run? • 8 week course • Autumn Course: September to November • Spring Course: April to June • Distance Learning – Named tutor for support – Induction evening (at Roxburghe House) – Assessment day (at Roxburghe House)

What do I study? • Comprehensive Work book • Reflective Portfolio • Written & Oral Exams

Learning Content • What is palliative care? • Who is palliative care for? • Symptom control • Emergency conditions • Patients in the last 48 hours of life • Breaking bad news to patients and families • Bereavement and support • Common ethical issues

• Common opioid conversions • Prescription requirements • Gold Standards Framework • Guidelines on care of the dying • Preferred priorities of care • Examples of opioid preparations • Approximate equivalent opioid doses for Step 2 and Step 3 of the analgesic ladder

Reflective Portfolio

Assessment Day • Written assessment – 100 true / false questions and 4 simple drug calculations – all information in handbook • Practical viva – 2 scenarios to discuss with two examiners, more information on learning zone including a video of a viva 10

Oral Assessment • Assesses skills and attitudes • Scenarios are based on commonly occurring themes and situations in palliative care. – E. g. how you would respond to a specific question from a patient or family member? – what would be the signs and symptoms or treatment of a specific condition? – what the role of the multi-professional team might be? 13

Funding • Course fee is £ 450 • Applications considered via NHS Grampian Education and training group.