WCDHW People Development Centre Online School

The following topics are covered in this course:

Chapter 1: introduction 

• What palliative care is and why it matters in South Africa.

• How to tell when a client may need palliative care using the SPICT-SA tool.

• Who gives palliative care and where to find it.

Chapter 2: communication

• Placing the needs and values of clients and families at the centre of every conversation.

• Healthy conversation skills for active listening, responding to emotions and talking about difficult topics.

• How to share information clearly and respectfully with other team members.

Chapter 3: ethics

• Understanding client rights, ethical rules to follow when giving care and advance care planning.

• Comfort care and when to report abuse or neglect.

Chapter 4: psychosocial care

• How to support clients who are going through difficult feelings, stress or relationship/spiritual struggles.

• How to support caregivers and families. 

Chapter 5: pain 

• Your important role in noticing and asking about client pain.

• Pain medication goals and supporting correct use and adherence.

• Non-medicine pain care.

Chapter 6: Body changes

• Common problems in the body and how to support. 

• Caring for bedbound clients and protecting their skin.

• Common mental health problems and how to support.

Chapter 7: end-of-life care and death

• End-of-life care and the signs of active dying.

• What to do immediately after a death, including forms and reporting, and communicating with the family.

• Supporting families through loss and grief.

Chapter 8: healthcare worker well-being 

• Signs of stress and burnout in yourself and your team.

• How to care for yourself and get the support you need.