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Certificate in Palliative Care

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About the Certificate in Palliative Care

Run jointly by the Irish College of GPs, the Irish Hospice Foundation and the HSE, the course supports and encourages GPs, GP trainees and Practice Nurses to take a holistic and structured approach to caring for patients with life-limiting conditions. This is currently the only such course available in Ireland supporting and enabling GPs, GP trainees and Practice Nurses to develop their palliative care skills and competencies at Level 2 of the Palliative Care Model of Care.

Upon completion, GP participants will have improved knowledge and competences, along with confidence in responding to patients with palliative care needs.

Course fees

  • Member - €600
  • Non-Member - €800

Course Director: Dr Aine Hale
Course Co-ordinator: Education Department, ICGP

For more information, contact us.

Course duration

The next next course commencment date will be confimed in late 2024. 

How do I apply?

Registration for this course is now closed.

Course modules

All course material will be available on the ICGP Education Platform. Participants will have secure access to a bespoke page on this interactive platform, which will be tailored specifically to the course material and participant's learning needs. Access and instructions relating to the ICGP Education Platform will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Please note, you must have a MYICGP log in to access the ICGP Education Platform. The interactive workshops, course material and the ICGP Education Platform are designed to stimulate and forge debate and interaction through a variety of methods that reflect learning styles

Module 1

Topics to include the following:

  • Philosophy and Principles of Palliative Care
  • Assessment and Management of Symptoms in Palliative Care
  • Pain Assessment and Management

Module 2

Topics to include the following:

  • End of Life Care & Grief and Bereavement
  • Primary Palliative Care
  • Communication in Palliative Care

Module 3

Topics to include the following:

  • Palliative Care in Nursing Home and Residential Care Centres
  • Palliative Care for Non-Malignant Conditions
  • Syringe Drivers and Pumps

Reflective Portfolio

Submission on course page

  • The portfolio reflects on how you managed a palliative care case, and subsequent learning from that experience.

More information about this course

  • All registered GPs, GP Trainees and Practice Nurses who wish to increase their learning in Palliative Care.

  • Delivered online in an eLearning environment, a time commitment of approximately 8 to 10 hours per month will be needed during the course term (though this will vary depending on the participant's baseline knowledge and other factors). Three interactive virtual workshops will be held within the course term, hosted by the Course Principal and a range of expert speakers.

    • 3 x Live interactive virtual workshops
    • Viewing of recorded content
    • Discussion Board participation
    • Handbook and other readings
  • The course aims to provide participants with the skill set, knowledge and experience necessary to deliver effective palliative care in a primary care setting. Upon completion, GP participants will have improved knowledge and competences, along with confidence in responding to patients with palliative care needs. 

    • Course attendance
    • Participation in workshops
    • Engagement on the discussions board
    • Successful completion of a final Reflective Portfolio