Dublin Certificate in Evidence Based Palliative Care Spring 2027

Overview of the course

The aim of the Dublin Certificate in Evidence Based Palliative Care is to provide doctors (particularly general practitioners), nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, social workers and occupational therapists with an opportunity to develop their theoretical knowledge in palliative care symptom management.

It is an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals, whether new to specialist palliative care or those working in non-specialist care areas, to enhance their confidence and skills.

The programme also aims to optimise the quality of life of patients with life-limiting conditions, regardless of healthcare setting, by improving the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals in providing a holistic palliative approach to care.

The course will adopt a blended learning approach over a period of 13 weeks, exploring the principles of palliative care. In-person classes will take place in the Education & Research Centre at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services in Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W.

How you will learn

A 13-week blending learning programme, covering the major topics of palliative care, delivered both in the classroom and online.
This course is led by:

Dr Michael Connolly, Joint Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing,
UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems and
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services

Professor Andrew Davies, Professor of Palliative Medicine
at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services

Topics will include

• Pain management
• Respiratory symptoms
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Non-malignant conditions
• Palliative care emergencies
• Communication
• Ethical issues
• Palliative care at end of life

Candidates will receive

• A course handbook
• Access to a virtual learning hub
• Access to the resources of our Library, both online and in-person

Dates

Autumn 2026 course dates: 12 January – 6 April 2027, with in-person dates on:

• Tuesday 12 January 2027      9.30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday 9 February 2027       9.30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday 6 April 2027               9.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.