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Palliative care demonstrates the capacity of nursing to recognise the circumstances and challenges that cause suffering and affect a patient’s quality of life. The provision of high-quality palliative care requires nurses to understand the fundamental philosophy underpinning this field. Knowledge of palliative care philosophy enables nurses to develop the competencies necessary for their active and responsible role within the palliative process. The purpose of this lecture is to enhance understanding of the comprehensive philosophy and core principles of palliative care, and to emphasise the active role of the nurse in its delivery, including the application of modern technologies.

Η ολοκληρωμένη αξιολόγηση στην παρηγορητική φροντίδα στοχεύει κατ’ αρχάς στη μείωση του ανθρώπινου πόνου και της οδύνης. Ο ρόλος του νοσηλευτή/τριας είναι καθοριστικός, καθώς η αξιολόγηση αποτελεί τη βάση για τον σχεδιασμό του μετέπειτα θεραπευτικού πλάνου. Σε αντίθεση με άλλες μορφές κλινικής αξιολόγησης, η διαδικασία στην παρηγορητική φροντίδα δεν περιορίζεται στα σωματικά συμπτώματα, αλλά περιλαμβάνει επίσης ψυχοκοινωνικές και πνευματικές διαστάσεις. Μια πλήρης αξιολόγηση ενσωματώνει όλες αυτές τις πτυχές με στόχο την παροχή ατομικά προσαρμοσμένης φροντίδας, διασφαλίζοντας την αίσθηση αυτονομίας και αξιοπρέπειας του ασθενούς. Η συμμετοχή των μελών της οικογένειας στη διαδικασία βελτιώνει την κατανόηση των ευρύτερων αναγκών και ενισχύει τη συνολική θεώρηση της περίθαλψης. Η αποτελεσματική αξιολόγηση απαιτεί υψηλό επίπεδο δεξιοτήτων επικοινωνίας, γεγονός που υπογραμμίζει τη σημασία της εκπαίδευσης των νοσηλευτών/τριών στον συγκεκριμένο τομέα. Η αξιολόγηση ξεκινά με λεπτομερή λήψη ιστορικού και συνοπτική περιγραφή της πάθησης, ακολουθούμενη από συλλογή δεδομένων για τα σωματικά συμπτώματα και σταδιακή διεύρυνση προς ερωτήματα που αφορούν ψυχοκοινωνικές και πνευματικές ανάγκες. Μόνο μέσω μιας τέτοιας ολιστικής προσέγγισης μπορεί να διαμορφωθούν στόχοι φροντίδας που ανταποκρίνονται στις προτιμήσεις και ανάγκες του ασθενούς. Μια ολοκληρωμένη αξιολόγηση επιτρέπει στον νοσηλευτή/τριαν να σχεδιάσει και να εφαρμόσει κατάλληλη φροντίδα που ενισχύει την ποιότητα ζωής του ασθενούς και αντιμετωπίζει αποτελεσματικά όλες τις διαστάσεις της εμπειρίας της ασθένειας.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the recognition and management of the final phase of life within palliative care, with a particular focus on imminent death. Participants will explore the clinical signs of imminent death, reversible causes of deterioration, and complex symptoms such as terminal restlessness. Emphasis is placed on holistic, person-centred care, ethical decision-making, and the role of the multidisciplinary team in aligning clinical interventions with patient goals, values, and wishes at the end of life. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Define imminent death and distinguish it clearly from the broader end-of-life phase. Identify key physiological, functional, behavioural, psychological, and cognitive signs associated with imminent death. Recognise potentially reversible causes of clinical decline and critically evaluate their relevance in end-of-life decision-making. Explain the causes, presentation, and management of terminal restlessness within palliative care practice. Apply principles of goal-concordant care, taking into account disease progression, patient and family wishes, and the balance of benefits and burdens of interventions. Describe the roles and responsibilities of multidisciplinary team members in the assessment and care of patients approaching death. Demonstrate a holistic and ethically grounded approach to supporting patients and families during the final phase of life. This course is intended for all members of the multidisciplinary palliative care team. We consider this topic to be very important and believe that you will approach this course seriously, motivated by the desire to gain as much knowledge as possible.

This module, adapted for Hospices of Hope and its partners across South and Eastern Europe, provides structured e-learning on end-of-life care. This module focuses on recognizing when patients are approaching the end of life, understanding common trajectories of dying, and appreciating the patient’s lived experience of dying. It introduces practical tools and clinical triggers that support timely identification of end-of-life needs and facilitate meaningful, sensitive conversations with patients and families. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their current professional practice, identify learning needs, and develop an individual learning plan. 

The Role of Physiotherapy in Adult Palliative Care - Introductory Course provides a concise, practice‑oriented foundation for understanding how physiotherapists contribute to comfort, dignity and functional wellbeing in adults with life‑limiting conditions.This e‑course consists of nine thematic topics covering key principles of palliative rehabilitation, interdisciplinary collaboration, assessment strategies, symptom management and communication skills. Learning is reinforced through three short knowledge checks placed throughout the course, as well as a final comprehensive test designed to consolidate understanding and ensure readiness for further professional development.Clear, structured and accessible, this course is ideal for physiotherapists, students and other healthcare professionals seeking a solid introduction to palliative‑care practice.

This introductory course provides a clear and comprehensive foundation in the essential concepts of palliative care. Designed for professionals entering the field or expanding their existing competencies, the course explores seven key thematic areas that define high-quality palliative care practice. Participants will gain a solid understanding of the definition, purpose, and scope of palliative care; its core values and principles; and the types of patients who benefit from palliative support. The course outlines when palliative care should begin, how it progresses across the trajectory of illness, and when it appropriately concludes. It further explains the core competencies required of professionals working in palliative care, as well as the fundamental principles of holistic assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and shared decision-making. Upon completion of all modules, participants are required to take a final assessment. Those who successfully pass the test will automatically receive a personalised certificate delivered directly to their email. Welcome to the world of palliative care - a field grounded in compassion, dignity, and person-centred support.

The modern hospice movement emerged as a social response to the growing social isolation of people who were dying. Although more than fifty years have passed since its establishment, the field of palliative - or hospice - care remains insufficiently understood both by professionals and the wider public. Social work is often described as being woven into the very foundations of palliative care, representing a vital and frequently decisive component of comprehensive support for individuals and their families facing severe and incurable illness. The primary goal of palliative care is to maximise the quality of life of the person affected by illness and their family, within the limits of the circumstances. Much of what is possible today, especially regarding home-based palliative care, would not be feasible without skilled and, ideally, specially trained palliative social workers. Social work focuses on the personal and social changes caused by illness, and their impact on the patient, family system, social networks and community. At the end of life, it is essential to help people use their remaining time in the best possible way, while maintaining stability within the family. Listing social work tasks comprehensively is almost impossible due to significant national variations. In addition to direct practice with children and adults, palliative social workers frequently provide counselling and bereavement support, coordinate volunteers, engage in education, contribute to research and participate in policy development.

Resources relating to training provided by Hubken Group are available here.

Sveobuhvatna procena u palijativnoj nezi je usmerena na ublažavanje patnje. Medicinska sestra igra značajnu ulogu u procesu procene jer na osnovu nje planira dalji tok zdravstvene nege. Procena u palijativnoj nezi obuhvata pored fizičkih simptoma još psihosocijalne i duhovne komonente. Procena uključuje sve ove aspekte,sa ciljem  obezbeđivanja individualnog pristupa nezi, pružajući pacijentu osećaj smokontrole i dostojanstva. Dobrom procenom koja uključuje sve aspekte stanja i iskustva pacijenta su usmerene na ublažavanje patnje. Procenom u palijativnoj nezi, medicinska sestra može da planira adekvatnu negu koja će odgovoriti svim potrebama pacijenta. U procenu treba uključiti  porodicu kako bi se sagledali svi aspekti zbrinjavanja. Za dobar proces procene neophodno je poznavanje komunikacionih veština, te je edukacija medicinskih sestara u ovoj oblasti neophodna. Da bi osmislila negu pacijenata u palijativnom zbrinjavanju medicinska sestra treba da razume da se procena u palijativnoj nezi dosta razlikuje od drugih vrsta kliničke procene. Razlika se odnosi na cilj koji je kod ovih pacijenata usmeren na ublažavanje patnje. Važno je prepoznati i prihvatiti da pacijentovo iskustvo sa bolešću ima više dimenzija. Sve one zajedno mnogo utiču na tok zdravstvene nege. Sam proces procene može biti instrument palijativne nege i  ima terapeutski efekat. Uloga medicinske sestre u ovom procesu je da vodi računa o pacijentu u celini a ne samo o bolesti. Procena započinje pravilnim uzimanjem anamneze, uz sažet prikaz bolesti. Započinjemo uzimanjem podataka o fizičkim tegobama da bi nastavili sa psihosocijalnim i duhovnim pitanjima. Taj put nas vodi ka definisanjima ciljeva nege, koji bi bili usklađeni sa željama pacijenta. Dobro obučena I edukovana medicinska sestra može sveobuvatno da sprovede procenu, i isplanira zdravstvenu negu prilagođenu pacijentu i njegovim potrebama. Rezultati dobre procene simptoma u palijativnoj nezi uitču na proces sprovđrnja nege ovih pacijenata, sa fokusom na podizanju kvaliteta života ovih pacijenata.

This professional development course offers an advanced exploration of the psychosocial needs of patients in the terminal phases of illness. The curriculum focuses on the precision of differential diagnosis between clinical depression, anxiety, and various delirium subtypes, utilising evidence-based tools such as the HADS and ESAS scales. By balancing pharmacological interventions with a holistic care model, this course ensures that both the patient and their family remain at the heart of the palliative process. The central theme is the timely recognition and clinical control of psychological suffering. We examine the underlying mechanisms of acute confusional states (delirium) and the psychological reactions to a terminal prognosis, aiming to mitigate distress and preserve patient dignity in the final stages of life. By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Identify specific pathophysiological triggers of distress and delirium in terminal settings. Differentiate between the clinical presentations of hypoactive and hyperactive delirium to prevent common diagnostic errors (e.g., mistaking lethargy for depression). Apply validated assessment tools (HADS, ESAS) accurately within a clinical environment. Design individualised care plans that integrate pharmacological agents (antipsychotics, benzodiazepines) with non-pharmacological support strategies. Enhance communication skills for managing "bad news" and supporting families during acute crises. Learning Outcomes: Clinical Confidence: Acquire clear, evidence-based protocols for managing acute confusion and panic episodes. Diagnostic Precision: Develop the ability to identify reversible causes of confusion, such as hypercalcaemia, uremia, or urinary retention. A Holistic Toolkit: Master techniques in empathetic listening and "total pain" management that transform the quality of end-of-life care. Professional Resources: Lifetime access to specialist materials, including APA-referenced bibliographies and interactive self-assessment modules.

Dear Participants, Welcome to the Hospices of Hope e-course for nurses! 🌿 We’re so glad to have you here. This course will take you on a short but meaningful learning journey through the world of skin care in palliative settings  - from understanding how the skin works, to recognising and managing fistulas, malignant wounds, and pressure injuries. Along the way, you’ll find useful lessons, practical tips, and short quizzes to help you strengthen your skills and confidence. We hope this learning experience will be inspiring and rewarding, and that the knowledge you gain will help you improve the comfort and quality of life of patients with skin changes. Good luck and enjoy the journey! 💙 Hospices of Hope Mijodrag Bogićević (Miki), Regional Education Specialist

Caring for patients in the final stages of life requires sensitivity, professional competence, and compassion. This course introduces nurses to the philosophy, principles, and practical aspects of palliative care, with a particular focus on the final days and hours of life. It highlights the importance of recognising the signs of approaching death, communicating effectively and empathetically with patients and their families, making ethically grounded decisions, and maintaining the patient’s dignity until the very end. The nurse plays a central and irreplaceable role in this process - providing comfort, alleviating suffering, and creating a peaceful and humane environment for the patient. Care extends beyond the physical domain, encompassing emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support for both the patient and their loved ones. The aim of the course is to enable nurses to understand the essence of palliative care and to develop the skills required to support patients at the end of life. Upon completion, participants will be able to recognise and assess the needs of patients in the terminal phase of illness, communicate openly and sensitively, manage symptoms that cause distress, and make decisions consistent with ethical principles and the best interests of the patient. Particular attention is devoted to supporting the family, both during the dying process and throughout the period of bereavement. Through this learning experience, nurses are empowered to deliver holistic, professional, and compassionate care  - ensuring that the process of dying remains dignified, humane, and peaceful.

This course highlights the vital collaboration between nurses and social workers in effective pain management within palliative care. It offers nurses essential knowledge about the definition, etiology, assessment, and management of pain, helping them to better understand both its physical and psychosocial dimensions. Participants will explore the concept of "total pain," recognizing that pain is not only a physical experience but also influenced by emotional, social, and spiritual factors. While nurses focus on continuous assessment, medication administration, and monitoring comfort, social workers address the emotional distress, family dynamics, and social determinants that may intensify pain. By the end of this course, learners will understand how joint efforts between nurses and social workers create a compassionate and holistic model of care, ensuring that pain is managed comprehensively and humanely.

Comprehensive assessment in palliative care is directed toward alleviating suffering. The nurse plays a significant role in the assessment process, as it forms the basis for planning the subsequent course of healthcare. Assessment in palliative care encompasses not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial and spiritual components. This assessment incorporates all these aspects with the aim of ensuring an individualized approach to care, thereby providing the patient with a sense of self-control and dignity. A thorough assessment that includes all dimensions of the patient's condition and experience is oriented toward mitigating suffering. Through assessment in palliative care, the nurse can plan appropriate care that addresses all of the patient's needs. The family should be involved in the assessment to evaluate all aspects of care comprehensively. Effective assessment requires proficiency in communication skills, making education of nurses in this area essential. To design care for patients in palliative settings, the nurse must understand that assessment in palliative care differs substantially from other forms of clinical assessment. This difference pertains to the objective, which, for these patients, is focused on symptom relief. It is crucial to recognize and accept that the patient's experience of illness is multidimensional. Collectively, these dimensions exert a profound influence on the trajectory of healthcare. The assessment process itself can serve as a tool of palliative care and may yield a therapeutic effect. The nurse's role in this process is to attend to the patient holistically, rather than solely to the disease. Assessment commences with a structured history-taking, accompanied by a concise summary of the illness. It begins with gathering data on physical complaints, progressing to psychosocial and spiritual inquiries. This approach guides the formulation of care goals that align with the patient's preferences. A well-trained and educated nurse can conduct a comprehensive assessment and devise healthcare tailored to the patient and their specific needs. The outcomes of a robust symptom assessment in palliative care impact the implementation of care for these patients, with an emphasis on enhancing their quality of life.

Communication with elderly/dementia patients

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This lecture is provided  by Miki Bogicevic

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This lecture is provided by Roxana Horeica

This lecture is provided by Prof Jo Hockley

This lecture is provided by Prof Jo Hockley

This lecture is provided by Prof Julia Downing

This course is provided by Pro Julia Downing.

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