Fellowship in Palliative Care

Designed by: Skillversity
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Hybrid (Online Learning + Hands-on Clinical Training)
Eligibility: MBBS, MD, BSc Nursing, GNM, BDS, or Equivalent

Program Overview

This one-year Fellowship in Palliative Care is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and clinical skills required to provide compassionate, holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. The program focuses on pain management, psychosocial support, ethical communication, and improving quality of life in terminal care.

Course Curriculum (12 Modules, 12 Months)

Module 1: Introduction to Palliative Care

• Philosophy and principles of palliative care

• Scope and need in various healthcare settings

• Interdisciplinary approach to patient care

• WHO guidelines and global practices

Module 2: Pain Assessment and Management

• Pathophysiology and types of pain

• Pain assessment tools (VAS, NRS, etc.)

• WHO analgesic ladder and opioid use

• Adjuvant medications and non-pharmacological approaches

Module 3: Symptom Management in Palliative Patients

• Dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, constipation

• Anorexia, fatigue, cachexia

• Delirium, terminal agitation, insomnia

• Symptom clusters and comfort care

Module 4: Palliative Care in Oncology

• Palliative needs in cancer patients

• Management of cancer pain

• End-stage cancer symptom control

• Coordination with oncology and hospice services

Module 5: Palliative Care in Non-Cancer Conditions

• End-stage organ failure (renal, cardiac, hepatic)

• Neurological conditions (ALS, MS, dementia)

• Frailty and multimorbidity in geriatrics

• Role of palliative care in chronic illnesses

Module 6: Communication in Palliative Settings

• Breaking bad news: SPIKES protocol

• Advance care planning and goals-of-care discussions

• Dealing with emotions, hope, and denial

• Family meetings and conflict resolution

Module 7: Psychosocial and Spiritual Care

• Psychological distress, depression, and grief

• Spiritual needs and existential issues

• Counseling techniques and support groups

• Cultural sensitivity and values in care

Module 8: Ethical and Legal Issues in Palliative Care

• Patient autonomy and informed consent

• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and advance directives

• Ethical dilemmas in end-of-life care

• National policies and palliative care laws in India

Module 9: Pediatric and Geriatric Palliative Care

• Unique challenges in pediatric palliative care

• Communication with children and families

• Geriatric syndromes and frailty care

• Caregiver stress and family support

Module 10: Home-Based and Hospice Palliative Care

• Models of community and home-based care

• Role of hospices and care coordination

• Mobile palliative teams and outreach models

• Managing equipment, medications, and nursing needs at home

Module 11: End-of-Life Care and Bereavement

• Recognizing the dying phase

• Terminal care planning and sedation

• Family presence and rituals during death

• Bereavement support and grief counseling

Module 12: Case Discussions, OSCEs & Capstone Project

• Real-world case reviews and care plans

• Symptom management simulations

• OSCE preparation and patient role-play

• Capstone project or research presentation

Clinical Training and Hands-On Exposure

• Rotations in palliative care units, oncology wards, hospices

• Bedside symptom management, family meetings

• Home visit experiences and community palliative care

• Exposure to counseling, medication titration, and comfort care

Assessment and Certification

• Monthly assignments and quizzes

• OSCEs and communication skill evaluations

• Final viva, capstone project, and case-based assessment

• Fellowship Certification in Palliative Care by Skillversity

Who Should Enroll

• MBBS, MD, BSc Nursing, GNM, BDS, or equivalent professionals

• Doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers in oncology, geriatrics, or home care

• Professionals interested in terminal care and compassionate medicine