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.

The course will commence on Saturday, 25 November 2023 and run until April 2024.

GP and GP Trainee registration: Registration closes at 5pm on Friday, 24 November 2023.
Please note, places are limited and available on a first come first served basis.

Practice Nurses registration: This is a two-step registration process:

1. Complete the expression of interest form by 5pm on Thursday, 12 October 2023
2. Following closure of the expression of interest form an email with registration instructions will be issued, this registration must be completed by 5pm on Thursday, 19 October 2023

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

Live Virtual Workshop 1: Saturday, 25 November 2023, 9am – 2pm

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

Live Virtual Workshop 2: Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 7pm – 9pm

Topics to include the following:

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

Module 3

Live Virtual Workshop 3: Saturday, 13 April 2024, 9am -12pm

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.