Preamble

The BSc Honours Degree in Palliative Care Programme is designed to deepen the health professional’s knowledge and improve practice in palliative care. The course will examine the history, philosophy and core concepts/theories related to palliative care, including symptom management, evidence-based practice, psychological states, pharmacology, ethical issues, end of life care and interpersonal skills and spiritual care. Various challenges related to terminal illness for both the client and the family are covered as well as how to alleviate suffering as well as ethical issues in palliative care. Pain and its alleviation are also covered. The course also focuses on common malignant conditions such as cancers, HIV and AIDS and non-communicable chronic conditions. The course encourages reflection and critical awareness on the experience of illness and end of life care. Students will be encouraged to consider and reflect on the issues and challenges arising when managing palliative care services and when caring for palliative care patients.

The palliative care degree will also provide the student with both Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through developing the required skill in their clinical area and Continuous Professional Education (CPE) in preparation for further career advancement e.g. attaining Masters Degrees level and beyond. As a continuing staff development programme the course should be accessible and manageable for the busy health practitioner hence it will be offered on a part time basis

Programme Aim

• The aim of the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Palliative Care program is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and person-centered care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families, promoting quality of life, dignity, and well-being. The programme also emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity, ethics, and compassion in palliative care,  developing skills in communication, empathy, and counseling,  exploring the role of technology in palliative care, and fostering a commitment to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.

Objectives

The programme is specifically designed to:

• Impart in-depth knowledge and skills in the use of palliative care principles and theories.
• Provide skills to identify different types of pain (somatic, visceral, neuropathic) and be able to manage them effectively.
• Transfer knowledge of safe prescription of medication to manage symptoms and pain in people with life threatening illnesses.
• Explore ethical and cross-cultural issues in palliative care practice as provided by laws and regulations governing the activities of palliative care practice.
• Develop critical reflective skills and self-evaluation of the palliative care practitioner’s professional practice in each discipline.
• Promote appreciation of the value of a multi-disciplinary approach to symptom management.
• Critically appraise palliative care theory, research, ethics and professional literature to promote new knowledge and skills in this area.

Admission Entry Requirements

For admission into the Bachelor of Science Honours in Palliative Care, one should have the following qualifications:

A minimum of 5 ‘O’ Level passes including English Language and Mathematics at grade C or better

Two (2) ‘A’ Level passes in biological science-related subjects is an added advantage.

And

• A diploma or degree in a health-related discipline. The health-related Professions may include: Clinical Officers, Clinical Ophthalmic Nurses, Clinical Dental Therapists, Psychiatry Nurses, Pharmacy Technicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives, and Medical Doctors in various specialties.
• A Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing
• A Diploma or degree in Psychology and Social Work.
• Mature entry and working experience of at least one year in those related fields

Duration of Programme

The Degree in Palliative Care shall take three (3) years to complete. It shall be offered over a period of 6 semesters on a part time basis (during weekends and /or by block releases) to provide expert palliative care training to diverse practitioners.  Each academic year shall consist of two (2) semesters. There is an option of qualifying with a Diploma after successful completion of core palliative care courses and requisite practical attachment and research project after 18 months of study.

Assessment of Students

• There shall be a set of formal examinations at the end of each semester.
• Coursework shall account for 30% while the formal examination shall account for 70% of the overall assessment.
• Courses for each semester shall be assessed through a 3-hour written examination and continuous assessments.
• The examiners may, at their discretion, require candidates to present themselves for an oral examination.

Career Opportunities

On completing of the Degree Programme, the graduands will be able to lead and manage palliative care services and be involved in the development and implementation of appropriate training, programmes in palliative care. Such work requires leadership, organisational and management skills, as well as advanced health professionalism and capacity building skills, all of which will be attained through this course.

Furthermore, possession of a Degree in Palliative Care, opens opportunities for employment in positions within hospice organisations, pain control units in hospitals, and pre-service teaching in health and tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe and beyond. The degree holder will be involved in continuous learning, education and promotion of palliative care through the education of others.

On completion of the course, graduates will register the additional qualification with their respective regulatory authorities.

Additional Information

• The Research Project shall be done by all the students and done during the second year of the programme at an approved site after approval of the proposal.
  • The Department of Family and Health Sciences shall approve at least one academic member of staff to supervise the student’s dissertation.
  • There shall be a minimum 40 hours consultation time between the student and the supervisor during the period of the research project.
  • The student must submit two spiral bound copies of the Research project to the Department for marking at a date determined by the WUA.
  • The assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format prescribed by the Faculty Board.
  • The Research Project shall be assessed by two examiners.
  • The Faculty Board of Examiners shall consider the two examiners’ assessments and decide on the final mark for the Research Project.