The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) is a specialist qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in end-of-life care, pain management, and holistic support for patients and families. This diploma goes beyond the basics, equipping learners with advanced clinical knowledge, ethical decision-making skills, and the ability to provide compassionate, patient-centred care in complex and sensitive situations.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates; it is aimed at experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their understanding, and strengthen their role within multidisciplinary teams. By undertaking this diploma, learners can broaden their professional skills while demonstrating commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ensuring they remain aligned with best practices and international healthcare standards.
Centres delivering the Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine must maintain the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff with relevant clinical and academic expertise, alongside providing access to comprehensive learning resources, case studies, and practical tools. Effective learner support and robust quality assurance systems are essential to guarantee high-quality education and positive outcomes.
Through a strong balance of theoretical knowledge, clinical application, and ethical leadership, this qualification enables learners to play a vital role in improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting conditions. It is an excellent opportunity for professionals committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of palliative care and hospice medicine.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27187- 1 | Advanced Concepts and Foundations of Palliative and Hospice Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27187-2 | Pain Assessment, Symptom Management, and Quality of Life Enhancement | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27187-3 | Psychosocial, Cultural, and Spiritual Dimensions of Palliative Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27187-4 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Responsibilities in End-of-Life Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27187-5 | Communication, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Family Support | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27187-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Palliative and Hospice Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM):
Minimum Age
Learners must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background
A recognised qualification at Level 5 or equivalent in healthcare, nursing, medicine, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with an advanced professional qualification or degree in health sciences are strongly encouraged.
Professional Experience
Learners should have relevant clinical or healthcare experience, particularly within palliative care, hospice services, or related medical fields. This ensures they can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world professional practice.
Language Proficiency
As the qualification is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate strong written and spoken communication skills. Applicants should have proficiency equivalent to IELTS Level 6.0 or higher, or an equivalent standard.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Learners are expected to show a commitment to ongoing CPD, as this qualification is designed for professionals who wish to enhance their expertise, improve patient care, and progress in their career.
Access to Required Resources
Learners must have access to a suitable clinical or professional environment, along with reliable internet and study resources, to support effective learning and application of knowledge.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM):
Advanced Concepts and Foundations of Palliative and Hospice Medicine
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the principles, scope, and philosophy of palliative and hospice medicine
- Analyse the historical development and global perspectives of palliative and end-of-life care
- Evaluate the role of palliative medicine in supporting patients with life-limiting conditions
- Apply advanced concepts to clinical practice in diverse healthcare settings
Pain Assessment, Symptom Management, and Quality of Life Enhancement
- Assess and evaluate pain using validated tools and evidence-based approaches
- Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for effective symptom management
- Develop care strategies to enhance patient comfort and quality of life
- Integrate holistic approaches into palliative care planning and delivery
Psychosocial, Cultural, and Spiritual Dimensions of Palliative Care
- Recognise the psychological, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients and families in palliative care
- Apply culturally sensitive practices to end-of-life care
- Support emotional well-being and resilience in patients, families, and caregivers
- Integrate spiritual care principles into patient-centred practice
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Responsibilities in End-of-Life Care
- Evaluate ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in palliative and hospice medicine
- Interpret legal frameworks governing end-of-life care and decision-making
- Apply professional standards and guidelines in clinical scenarios
- Demonstrate ethical leadership in managing sensitive cases and patient advocacy
Communication, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Family Support
- Demonstrate advanced communication skills for discussing prognosis, care planning, and end-of-life decisions
- Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Provide structured support to families during the stages of illness and bereavement
- Facilitate shared decision-making between patients, families, and care teams
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Palliative and Hospice Medicine
- Critically analyse research methodologies and evidence in palliative care
- Apply evidence-based practice to clinical decision-making and patient management
- Develop leadership skills to advance palliative and hospice medicine practice
- Contribute to service improvement and policy development through research and innovation
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals who are actively engaged in the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses. This course is not intended for fresh learners but for those who already possess clinical knowledge and practical experience in healthcare settings and wish to advance their expertise in palliative and end-of-life care.
This diploma is particularly suitable for:
- Doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals specialising in palliative or hospice medicine
- Healthcare practitioners working in hospitals, hospices, and community care settings
- Professionals aiming to enhance their clinical, ethical, and leadership skills in managing patients with complex needs
- Practitioners seeking to improve their ability to support patients, families, and caregivers through holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and aspiring to contribute to service improvement, research, and policy development in palliative and hospice medicine
This qualification is ideal for professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge in pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and ethical decision-making, while also gaining the leadership and research skills required to excel in this specialised area of medicine.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (Dip PCHM) must ensure that they meet the highest standards of training, assessment, and learner support. To maintain quality and compliance with international best practices, the following requirements must be in place:
- Qualified and Competent Staff
Centres must employ tutors, trainers, and assessors with recognised qualifications and proven professional experience in palliative care, hospice medicine, or related healthcare fields. Staff should demonstrate both clinical expertise and teaching competence. - Adequate Learning Resources
Centres must provide access to up-to-date learning materials, including textbooks, clinical guidelines, research journals, and online learning platforms. Facilities should also include appropriate case studies, simulation resources, and assessment tools to support effective learning. - Facilities and Equipment
Training venues should be equipped with suitable classrooms, clinical skills labs, and digital resources to create an effective learning environment. Access to real or simulated clinical scenarios is strongly encouraged. - Robust Quality Assurance Processes
Centres must implement reliable systems for internal quality assurance to ensure that assessments are fair, consistent, and aligned with qualification standards. Regular staff development and standardisation meetings should be conducted. - Learner Support Services
Adequate support must be provided to learners, including academic guidance, pastoral support, and access to mentors with expertise in palliative and hospice care. - Commitment to CPD and Professional Standards
Centres should encourage both learners and staff to actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure ongoing relevance and quality in teaching and practice.
By meeting these requirements, centres will be able to deliver high-quality training that empowers learners to advance their careers in palliative and hospice medicine while contributing to compassionate, patient-centred care.