Overview:

The "End of Life Care" training module provided by Waiver Academy is designed for healthcare professionals, including caregivers, nurses, and social workers, who provide support to patients in the final stages of their lives. This course aims to enhance participants' understanding and skills in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care during one of the most sensitive and challenging times in healthcare. The training focuses on palliative care principles, symptom management, ethical considerations, and effective communication with patients and their families.

Module Objectives:

• Enhance Understanding of End of Life Care: Educate participants about the principles of palliative care and the importance of quality end-of-life care.
• Develop Communication Skills: Equip participants with the skills to communicate effectively and compassionately with terminally ill patients and their families.
• Manage Symptoms Effectively: Provide knowledge and techniques for managing common physical symptoms to ensure patient comfort.
• Support Emotional and Spiritual Needs: Train participants to address the emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients and their families.
• Navigate Ethical and Legal Issues: Discuss ethical dilemmas and legal aspects related to end-of-life care, including advanced directives and patient rights.

Key Content Areas:

1. Palliative Care Fundamentals: Overview of palliative care principles, including the goals and philosophy of end-of-life care.
2. Symptom Management: Techniques for managing pain, nausea, dyspnea, and other common symptoms at the end of life.
3. Communication Skills: Strategies for having end-of-life conversations and supporting families during the grieving process.
4. Emotional and Spiritual Support: Approaches to providing holistic care that respects the patient’s and family's emotional and spiritual needs.
5. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Guidance on navigating advance care planning, ethical decision-making, and consent.

Learning Methods:

• Interactive Webinars: Engaging online lectures and guest speaker sessions to discuss key concepts and share experiences.
• Virtual Simulations: Scenario-based simulations to practice communication skills and symptom management strategies.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-life case studies to apply learning in context and discuss various outcomes and strategies.
• Group Discussions: Facilitated online forums and breakout sessions for participants to discuss personal experiences, challenges, and ethical dilemmas.
• Resource Sharing: Access to a comprehensive digital library of tools, guidelines, and templates that can be applied in professional settings.

Assessment and Certification:

• Knowledge Tests: Participants will complete quizzes throughout the course to assess their understanding of the material.
• Practical Assessments: Submission of case study evaluations or recorded role-play sessions demonstrating end-of-life care skills.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of all assessments, participants receive a certificate acknowledging their expertise in providing compassionate end-of-life care.

Intended Audience:

This module is intended for healthcare providers involved in caring for terminally ill patients, such as hospice and palliative care professionals, nurses, social workers, and caregivers in various settings including hospitals, residential care facilities, and home care environments.