University Course Palliative Care
The university course in palliative care is availably only in German.
The university course in palliative care consists of eight modules from different subject areas that build on each other. It lasts two semesters and comprises a total of 122 teaching units. The combination of different subject areas provides a fundamental basis for sensitive work with the dying. The university course is aimed at people from different professional groups who are involved in the treatment and care of people with serious illnesses. The lecturers are experts who can demonstrate relevant professional training or studies as well as several years of practical and/or teaching experience. The content is taught in the form of lectures, interactive discussions, practical exercises, group work and case studies.
The university course can be completed alongside work. An 80% attendance rate, active participation and the completion of a written thesis are required for successful completion with a certificate. Members of the nursing profession receive 244 ÖGKV PFP® continuing education credits, while doctors can obtain a diploma in palliative medicine from the Austrian Medical Academy upon completion of the course and receive DFP continuing education credits.
Further information is available at: Course dates and admission
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are:
Completed university or technical college degree in medicine, nursing sciences, psychology, theology, social work or other relevant courses of study in the field of hospice and palliative care
Professions in the higher medical-technical services (psychotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy)
Healthcare and nursing diploma, nursing assistant diploma
Relevant professional experience may be sufficient in individual cases. The course director will make the final decision on participation.
Course Structure
Course Structure
Palliative care is the comprehensive, attentive support of a person, taking into account their individual needs, attitudes and values. For this reason, the university course covers aspects and approaches from various specialist areas, thus providing a fundamental basis for sensitive work with the dying. The objectives of this university course are:
Acquisition of palliative care expertise
Strengthening communication skills in dealing with patients and relatives
Expanding practical skills in the care and support of seriously ill and dying people
Expanding interprofessional communication skills
Strengthening personal reflection skills in dealing with death
The university course comprises two semesters with a total of 122 teaching units and consists of eight modules that build on each other. An 80% attendance rate is required to participate in the course.
Overview of the modules
Module 1
Introduction to palliative medicine
- Development and role of palliative care in the healthcare system
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Treatment of the progression of pain conditions
- Treatment and progression of neurodegenerative diseases
Module 2
In-depth aspects of palliative care
- Dietary aspects
- Palliative care and nursing
- Palliative care and physiotherapy
- Caregiving relatives
- Aspects of hospice work
Module 3
Legal and ethical framework
- Basic ethical concepts
- Legal foundations
- Special clinical ethics in end-of-life decisions
- Areas of conflict between law and ethics
Module 4
Psychological, psychotherapeutic and spiritual support
- Psycho-oncology
- Religions and spiritual needs of palliative care patients
- Palliative care in old age
- Palliative geriatrics
- Mindfulness
Module 5
Communication skills – internal & external
- Team dynamics
- Multiprofessional exchange
- Working generations and their communication styles
- Conversations with patients and relatives
Module 6
Paediatric palliative care
- Introduction to paediatric palliative care and paediatric pain management
- Complementary treatment methods
- Palliative psychology in paediatrics
- Humour in palliative care
Module 7
Assisted suicide
- The desire for assisted suicide in psychiatry
- Legal aspects of assisted suicide
- Palliative medicine and assisted suicide
- Ethical aspects of assisted suicide
- Assisted suicide from the perspective of patient advocacy
Module 8
Reflection on one’s own attitude
- Burnout & fatigue symptoms
- Promotion of mental hygiene
- Introduction to scientific work
- Self-reflection and personal development
Certificate
Certificate
As part of the university course, a thesis on a practical topic must be written. The aim of the thesis is for participants to demonstrate and further develop their skills and knowledge of palliative care.
The university course concludes with certification. Certification is awarded by Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna. A certificate of attendance is issued for the completion of individual modules.
The prerequisite for admission to certification is the successful completion of the course, including an accepted thesis.
There is an 80% attendance requirement for participation in the course. Active participation and interdisciplinary exchange are also required.
As part of the university course, a thesis on a practical topic must be written. The aim of the thesis is for participants to demonstrate and further develop their skills and knowledge of palliative care.
The university course concludes with certification. Certification is awarded by Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna. A certificate of attendance is issued for the completion of individual modules.
The prerequisite for admission to certification is the successful completion of the course, including an accepted thesis.
There is an 80% attendance requirement for participation in the course. Active participation and interdisciplinary exchange are also required.
Contact/ Admission
Contact/ Admission
