The need to incorporate Palliative Care into the training of, and promotion of continuous professional development of Social Workers and other associated disciplines, has long been identified as a critical element towards developing a comprehensive Palliative Care Service. Psychosocial and spiritual care is integral to the provision of quality palliative care to clients and their families faced with a life-threatening illness. Psychosocial professionals therefore play a critical role in the interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary team.
The continuous review and update of the psychosocial course is a critical factor in enabling psychosocial professionals to respond effectively and appropriately to the psychosocial needs of clients was identified as an important area of focus by a working group that the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) commissioned. After the completion of the review, which was undertaken by experienced and skilled psychosocial practitioners nationally, an application for CPD points was completed and the course was awarded 14 CPD points with the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP) for the year 2021/22. The relatively high CPD point rating allocated to the course not only reflects the high standard of the course – but creates the opportunity for Social Workers and allied professions to further their skills and knowledge within the field of Psychosocial Palliative Care.
Sungardens Hospice in Pretoria will be the first to offer this updated 40-hour course in-person from 28 June to 2 July 2021. For more information, please contact juanita@sungardens.org.za. For more about other upcoming courses, please contact leonorehaley@mweb.co.za
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