Infection Prevention & Control and Palliative Care Support - QQI level 5

The course is assessed through continuous assessment rather than a final examination. Learners complete assignments and learner records across both modules, demonstrating their understanding of infection prevention, palliative care and the application of these principles in healthcare settings.

Some assessment activities may need to be completed within a suitable healthcare environment or relevant Healthcare Assistant role.

Assessment Components:

• Assignment: This assignment will test your understanding of the modules covered in the course, including palliative care principles and infection prevention strategies. You’ll be asked to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world healthcare scenarios, demonstrating your ability to think critically and implement best practices.

• Learner Record: This record requires you to document your learning experiences. You will need to show how you’ve applied course concepts in practice. It provides an opportunity to showcase your hands-on skills in both palliative care and infection control, highlighting how you deliver compassionate care while adhering to infection prevention protocols.

On successful completion, learners receive two QQI Level 5 component certificates:

Palliative Care Support – 5N3769
Infection Prevention and Control – 5N3734

Together, these modules provide practical Level 5 training in infection-control practices and person-centred palliative care for learners working in healthcare and care-support environments.

Infection Prevention & Control Course Module (Level 5)

This module develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to prevent and control infection in healthcare settings. Learners explore standard precautions, healthcare-associated infections and safe infection-control practices for protecting patients, staff and visitors.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the principles of infection prevention and control.
• Apply standard infection-control precautions in healthcare settings.
• Recognise common healthcare-associated infections and how they are managed.
• Maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
• Understand the role of infection-control policies and procedures.

Palliative Care Course Module (Level 5)

This module develops the knowledge and skills needed to support people with life-limiting illness in a compassionate and person-centred way. Learners explore physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, communication, dignity and end-of-life support.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Support people with life-limiting illness in a holistic way.
• Communicate sensitively with patients, families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Promote dignity, privacy and quality of life.
• Understand individual approaches to death and dying.
• Provide appropriate emotional and practical support to patients and families.

Find out more key facts about Palliative care from WHO.

Infection Prevention & Control Course Content

Basic Microbiology

• Micro-organisms
• The infection process
• The chain of infection.

Principles of Infection Control: Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions

• Standard precautions & transmission based precautions
• Personal protective equipment
• Hand hygiene
• Decontamination
• Principles of hygiene
• Terminal cleaning
• Single – use medical devices
• Safe handling of body fluids
• Linen segregation
• Segregation of waste.

Healthcare-Associated Infections

• Healthcare associated infections
• MRSA
• Norovirus
• Clostridioides difficile
• Tuberculosis
• Influenza
• Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci
• Blood borne pathogens
• Food safety.

Health Management:

• The health information and quality authority
• National standards
• Infection prevention policies
• Role of the infection control team
• Uniform Policy
• Needle and sharps prevention and management
• First aid management if injury occurs.
• Notification of infectious diseases and outbreaks
• Travel Associated Infections.

Palliative Care Course Content

The nature of palliative care

• The philosophy and principles of palliative care
• Attitudes towards death and dying
• The role of healthcare assistants in palliative care
• Palliative care services and the role of multidisciplinary team

Person-centred care

• Determining well-being and end of life needs
• Physical care
• Promoting dignity, privacy, and self-esteem
• Communication and emotional care
• Spiritual care
• Caring for families and friends

Grief, bereavement, and loss

• Care in the last hours of life
• Grief, bereavement, and loss