I wanted to join the MSc in Palliative Care course because I was at a point in my career where I wanted to progress to study at Level 7. I had a decision to make. When I discovered the Palliative Care Masters, that really drew my attention.
What was quite appealing was that it wasn't around how to deliver palliative care in terms of thinking about symptom control or the complex issues - that's part of the day job. What really appealed was those bigger issues - how do you implement evidence-based practice, how do you bring in research, and how does that become part of everyday practice?
The fact that it was online meant that it was going to be a flexible approach to study, which can fit around work life and home life.
How have you found the course so far?
The course has been really well organised and I've liked the fact that there's been an opportunity to meet with tutors and other people on the course on a weekly basis. I feel like that connection’s been important in terms of learning, but also in terms of networking. That support's really important when you're doing the course.
I did have a little bit of a worry that I was going to feel quite isolated and that it was just going to be about looking at a screen, but there's a discussion board you can you can interact with, and that helps with the connection with tutors and other with other learners. The topics have been really interesting - having speakers that are so current and up to date, carrying out research within palliative care has been a real privilege.
Tell me a little bit more about the topics that you've explored, particularly the ones you've really enjoyed.
Introduction to Implementation Science was really new. That area was so vast that it was a lot to get my head around, but very interesting. A lot of theories, a lot of frameworks and actually very applicable if there is a new innovation, a new service development, or a new piece of research that you're trying to implement in practice. So, very relevant to the day job.
Some of the topics around the Research and Practice module were familiar, but others weren't. Learning new research skills is really important, especially if you're trying to enhance that culture within your own service. So, I really enjoyed the Research and Practice module.
Have you been able to apply the knowledge and skills that you've acquired so far to your clinical and professional practice?
We are thinking about implementing Project Echo, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to use some of the learning from the Implementation Science module because I'll, hopefully, be playing a key part in the implementation and delivery of that. In terms of the Research and Practice module, I'm going to make links with the RIPEN Network, which is a North East group, and I'm hoping to get involved with some research, so in the future I should I'll be able to use some of those skills.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering applying to this MSc programme in Palliative Care at Hull York Medical School?
If you’re interested in palliative care, or if you work in palliative care, it will really enhance and broaden your thinking. I would say that it is a big commitment - I'm working full time and I have a family, so you've got to be prepared for that.
However, I would really recommend the course, and I think juggling work, home, and studying is something that you need to accept. But the support is there from the tutors and the university if you need it.
Find out more about PGCert, PGDip and MSc Palliative Care: Implementing Best Practice.