Nurses from every region of Thailand last month completed the sixth Basic Certificate Course in Palliative for Nursing (BCCPN), a six-week training programme supported by Thai Palliative Care Society (THAPS) and Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
The BCCPN programme was launched in 2011, with the collaboration between Karunrak Palliative Care Centre, Khon Kaen, Thailand, and the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Calicut, India.
The objectives of this course are to give fundamental knowledge in palliative care for the delegates. Alongside Associate Professor Dr Srivieng Pairojkul, the current president of THAPS, Dr Suresh Kumar from the Institute of Palliative Medicine is also a recurring lecturer and has helped in facilitating the course throughout its existence.
The delegates started their course with intensive lectures, covering palliative care issues such as symptoms assessment and management, communication skills, ethical issues, legal issues, psychosocial issues, and referral systems.
They will further their training by working with patients at Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
During the last week of the course, they will be evaluated in every aspect of their skills through case presentations and a final examination.
So far the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Three major positive themes are that course participants felt that they could improve their skills and their knowledge, and also expand their palliative care networks – a crucial factor for sustainable work.
Some delegates reflected that they could benefit more if the course were extended into eight weeks.
The next BCCPN course will be held this May.
Apart from BCCPN, Karunrak Centre also provides courses such as Palliative Care for Pharmacists, and many more.
Visit the Thai Palliative Care Society website to find out more.