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PalcNet Project News: Verified competence framework and recommendation on course development for palliative care in China ready to the public

Different kinds of graphical elements with the text "Guidelines" in the middle.

The PalcNet project has reached a major milestone with guiding the development of courses and training programmes for nursing educators based on a validated competence framework for palliative care, specifically adapted to the Chinese healthcare context. Created through close collaboration between Chinese and European partners, the framework lays a strong foundation for advancing palliative care education and practice in China.

PalcNet project deliverable “Guidelines for the development of courses and training programmes” introduces the core competences verified throughout the whole duration of Work Package (WP) 2, and serves a foundational reference for WP3 and WP4 developing competence-based curricula tailored to the Chinese healthcare context. 

The Guidelines firstly presents the core competence framework, including the definition and levels of palliative care, as well as the key competencies and their related learning outcomes. Drawing on evidence-based sources including research, literature, curricula, and international guidelines, the framework was shaped collaboratively. Its structure aligns with established models such as the European Federation of Nurses and CanMEDs, building on the successful GeNEdu project for gerontological nursing to ensure cross-cultural relevance. The framework identifies six essential, interrelated competencies that together form the complete profile for palliative care in China:

  1. Providing Palliative Care
  2. Communication and Collaboration
  3. Organisation and Management
  4. Patient and Family Education
  5. Evidence-Based Nursing (EBN), Lifelong Learning (LLL), and Training

Professional Behaviour

A graphic about providing palliative care.

Secondlythe Guidelines provide an overview of each competence, including the basic knowledge associated with it.  These topic lists can be used as an example and need further specification when used for curriculum development. The topics are derived from the literature search, competence analysis and input from experts from China and Europe, performed during the gap analysis activity. 

Furthermore, the framework outlines learning outcomes that specify what learners must know, understand, and be able to apply upon completing an educational module. These outcomes can be structured and evaluated at various educational levels and levels of complexity. Each learning outcome is composed of three elements:

  • Professional actions: which actions a learner must perform (the defined learning outcome description is used as the basis). 
  • Assessment criteria: the level and requirements for professional actions and results. 
  • Result: the professional product or service in which the results of professional actions are visible. 

In sum, the Guidelines will serve multiple purposes, such as:

  • Guiding the creation of competence-based education modules and courses
  • Providing clear learning outcomes for curriculum development
  • Offering assessment criteria for evaluating learners’ and professionals' progress
  • Supporting the development of instructional activities and teaching/training methodologies
  • Establishing benchmarks for professional development in palliative care

The Guidelines mark a significant advancement in the development of palliative care education and training in China. As the project progresses, it will guide the creation of targeted courses, training modules, and relevant educational resources to enhance palliative care delivery across China’s healthcare system. By emphasizing competence-based education that bridges theory with practice, the PalcNet project aims to make a lasting impact on improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families throughout China.

Read more about the PalcNet project from project website: www.jamk.fi/palcnet!

Download the guidelines here!

More information

Xiang He

Projektipäällikkö, Project Manager
Hyvi kehittämispalvelut, Development Services
Hyvinvointi, School of Health and Social Studies
+358405660515

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