The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in palliative care. This diploma is not intended for beginners; it is specifically structured for practitioners who wish to deepen their knowledge, improve clinical decision-making, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this Level 6 Diploma will explore a comprehensive range of topics, including symptom management, patient-centred care, end-of-life decision-making, ethical considerations, and multidisciplinary approaches to palliative medicine. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and practical application, enabling learners to provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients with life-limiting conditions.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to uphold the highest standards of training. This includes employing fully qualified and experienced staff, providing access to comprehensive learning materials, clinical resources, and technologies, and creating a supportive environment to ensure learner success. By adhering to these standards, centres guarantee a robust educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical competence.
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine offers a significant opportunity for healthcare professionals aiming to advance their careers, achieve specialist recognition, and contribute effectively to palliative care practice. Learners completing this qualification will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles, develop and implement patient-centred care strategies, and make meaningful contributions to improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) 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 |
| QC27169- 1 | Advanced Principles of Palliative Medicine and Patient-Centred Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27169-2 | Symptom Assessment, Pain Management, and Clinical Interventions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27169-3 | End-of-Life Decision-Making, Ethics, and Legal Considerations | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27169-4 | Communication, Psychosocial Support, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27169-5 | Public Health Perspectives, Policy, and Palliative Care Service Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27169-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Palliative Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 21 years old, ensuring sufficient professional experience and maturity for advanced study.
- Educational Background: Candidates should hold a Level 5 qualification in medicine, nursing, healthcare, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional qualifications or substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
- Professional Experience: Learners are expected to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in clinical, healthcare, or palliative care settings, with exposure to patient management and end-of-life care.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate a strong command of English, including reading, writing, and comprehension, to effectively engage with advanced palliative medicine materials and assessments.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Candidates should actively participate in CPD and demonstrate a commitment to applying advanced knowledge and skills in professional practice.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to clinical settings, patient care environments, or healthcare facilities, as well as the necessary learning materials and technology, to complete practical and independent study components successfully.
These entry requirements ensure that learners are fully prepared to succeed in this advanced qualification, enhancing their professional skills, career prospects, and ability to provide high-quality, patient-centred palliative care.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM):
Advanced Principles of Palliative Medicine and Patient-Centred Care
- Analyse the fundamental concepts and scope of palliative medicine
- Evaluate approaches to patient-centred care in palliative settings
- Integrate multidisciplinary care principles into palliative practice
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to complex palliative cases
Symptom Assessment, Pain Management, and Clinical Interventions
- Conduct comprehensive symptom assessments for palliative patients
- Design and implement effective pain management strategies
- Apply clinical interventions to improve patient comfort and quality of life
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic approaches in palliative care
End-of-Life Decision-Making, Ethics, and Legal Considerations
- Analyse ethical principles and legal frameworks relevant to end-of-life care
- Evaluate complex decision-making processes for terminally ill patients
- Apply ethical reasoning in clinical practice and care planning
- Ensure compliance with legal and professional standards in palliative medicine
Communication, Psychosocial Support, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Develop effective communication strategies with patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Provide psychosocial support tailored to patient and family needs
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
- Evaluate the impact of communication and support strategies on patient wellbeing
Public Health Perspectives, Policy, and Palliative Care Service Management
- Examine public health approaches to palliative care provision
- Analyse policies and frameworks guiding palliative care services
- Develop strategies for effective service planning and management
- Integrate public health perspectives into clinical and organisational practice
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Palliative Medicine
- Conduct research using appropriate methodologies and ethical standards
- Critically appraise scientific literature to inform clinical practice
- Apply evidence-based findings to improve patient care and outcomes
- Develop a structured plan for ongoing professional development in palliative medicine
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine is designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and career prospects in palliative care. This course is ideal for:
- Senior nurses, physicians, and clinical practitioners working in palliative care, hospice, or end-of-life care settings
- Healthcare professionals aiming to take on leadership or specialist roles in patient-centred care and palliative service delivery
- Allied health practitioners involved in multidisciplinary care teams supporting patients with life-limiting conditions
- Professionals committed to advancing their knowledge and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in symptom management, ethics, and clinical decision-making
- Individuals seeking to improve the quality of care and support for patients and families facing terminal illness
Learners completing this diploma will gain advanced skills, practical knowledge, and professional confidence necessary to provide high-quality, compassionate palliative care, lead multidisciplinary teams, and influence service provision at both clinical and organisational levels.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine must meet stringent standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success. To achieve this, centres must:
- Employ competent and qualified staff with expertise in palliative medicine, end-of-life care, clinical practice, and multidisciplinary team management
- Provide access to comprehensive learning materials, clinical resources, and digital technologies necessary for effective teaching, independent study, and practical activities
- Ensure learners have access to clinical settings, hospice environments, or healthcare facilities to support applied learning and real-world practice
- Maintain a robust quality assurance system to monitor teaching standards, learner progress, and assessment integrity
- Facilitate an environment that supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and encourages learners to apply advanced palliative medicine knowledge in professional practice
- Comply with all health, safety, and ethical regulations relevant to palliative care training, including patient safety and confidentiality protocols
By adhering to these centre requirements, institutions ensure that learners receive a high-quality educational experience, gain advanced clinical and professional skills, and are fully prepared to excel in palliative medicine practice and leadership roles.