This one-year distance learning programme, supported by IPM, and the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), aims to:
- train candidates in the knowledge and professional skills related to palliative care services; and
- give new insights and perspectives toward medical practice, in terms of patient-centred care.
The first 10 days were comprised of core lectures and workshops regarding the concept and principles of palliative care, symptom control in palliative care, communication skills, ethical issues and also some clinical exposure of care at IPM.
Afterwards, candidates will move on for their clinical placement at affiliated hospitals, completing assignments, medical audit, and a research proposal.
The final evaluation of this cohort will take place in August next year.
Personally, what I enjoyed most about my time at IPM was the social engagement at the Institute. There is a very thorough and extensive volunteer network from all walks of life: doctors, teachers, students, police officers, etc. The list could go on forever. You will also be amazed by the sheer number of active volunteers they currently have and the number of new volunteers they could recruit each year.
Educated, monitored, and guided by IPM, these volunteers are what drive and make the Kerala palliative care model successful.
In my opinion, the most valuable aspect of this course is that it is a distance learning course. Delegates don’t have to spend an entire year at the institute, leaving them free to continue their work.
Delegates start the course by attending 10 days of intensive lectures and workshops at IPM. After that, they can return to their respective hospitals, continuing their routine work while doing assignments and studying via the course materials.
It is very beneficial for those who are busy and have regular work, but who wish to extend their knowledge in palliative care. Also, candidates can make sure that they are competent as they are required to finish a research proposal, complete online assignments, and come back for the final examination.
Apart from this programme, IPM also conducts other palliative care training courses for doctors, nurses, and volunteers, such as Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Medicine (BCCPM), Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Nursing (BCCPN), etc.
To apply for this programme, please contact nfpmacademics@gmail.com or palliative@gmail.com.
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