(04) UC/09-MHealSc,PGDipHealSc/2
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Template 2: Qualification Change Template 2009
Proposal Description
R
Purpose of the proposal
To introduce a new endorsement in Palliative Care to the Master of Health Sciences and to the Postgraduate Diploma in
Health Sciences.
Justification
The proposed Endorsement meets the strategic academic and professional goals of the Health Sciences Centre and the
College of Education, particularly in relation to the enhancement of opportunities at the postgraduate level.
Strategic development of Health Sciences is consistent with the UC Profile, the stated role of the Health Sciences Centre
being “to foster health related interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives within the University, with other tertiary
education providers in Canterbury and beyond, and with the health sector”. The proposed Endorsement in Palliative Care
will expand and strengthen postgraduate health sciences, will provide a broader academic base for students moving
toward health related employment or further postgraduate study and will contribute to development of the New Zealand
health workforce. This is consistent with the strategic directions of the College of Education.
The health sector is one of New Zealand’s largest employers, with its Ministry of Health estimated workforce of 130,000,
perhaps a third of which are not in clinical roles. In addition, many students find employment in health related sectors,
including central or local government agencies, community social services, sport and recreation.
There is a nationwide workforce need for interdisciplinary courses in palliative care and this has been identified by the
Ministry of Health Palliative Care and Cancer Control Working Parties (both 2008).
There is also a nationwide need for people with advanced, University level, palliative care education who have the ability
to benefit from specialised research in the area. The Health Sciences Centre at UC already offers one advanced paper in
palliative care, so taking on the endorsement has a good fit with the current suite of courses offered by the Health
Sciences Centre. UC thus has the capacity to build on the currently offered course, which would provide an advanced and
specialised postgraduate programme in palliative care.
With an aging population, increasing prevalence of cancer and other life limiting conditions as well as societal
expectations that end of life care should be community oriented rather than acute hospital focus there is an increasing
need for advanced skills and health workforce development in this area. The hospice movement has grown markedly
both nationally and internationally, the focus is increasingly on an interdisciplinary team approach to palliative care, so
that the end of life experience is not only about clinical management but also recognition of the patient’s social networks
and the family or whanau’s psychological well-being. Such an interdisciplinary model is one that suits the HSC ethos and
skill base. UC’s leadership in setting up HLTH450: Palliative Care: Advanced theory and Practice, our liaison with
Whiteria Community Polytechnic, which offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Hospice Palliative Care, and our local
clinical and community strengths in this area as well as links with services and agency supports for the programme will
enable UC to provide an advanced and specialised postgraduate programme.
The proposal would also provide a recognised interdisciplinary pathway for students in the South Island to complete a
specialised palliative care programme at Postgraduate Diploma and Masters level. It may be that student numbers
increase if there is a pathway such as this because the economic burden (for students and employers) would be reduced by
having local access to the programme.
In addition to developing the health practitioner’s skills in palliative care, this award will enable students to be introduced
to palliative care as a research field. This is a well developed research field internationally and it is a growing research
1
(04) UC/09-MHealSc,PGDipHealSc/2
area in New Zealand. The placement of this programme in the Health Sciences Centre, an interdisciplinary department, is
appropriate for an inter-professional postgraduate qualification and it is anticipated that this will facilitate a route to
doctoral study. The qualification will expand and strengthen postgraduate health sciences, will build on palliative care
and other health sector collaborations and will contribute to health workforce development and health research in New
Zealand.
The strengthening of palliative care within the University's postgraduate health sciences programme will support an
emerging and important area of development of the health workforce, and the University's contribution to the wider
community. This is tapping into a market that would otherwise not come to UC, and a number of these students then
include non-HLTH coded courses in their programmes which brings new growth to other areas of the University. The
endorsement will enable students who want to specialise in palliative care to do so at UC and to take courses in UC
Health Sciences Centre’s areas of expertise, namely inter and cross disciplinary health sciences.
The proposal fits the teaching and research specifications of Health Science Centre staff, and lecturers from other
University departments who will contribute their health related expertise to the courses.
Acceptability
This proposal has been reviewed by the Joint Board of Studies: Health.
Consultation has included key health sector agencies, including the Ministry of Health and the Canterbury District Health
Board, the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and UC academic staff and students.
External













Nanette Ainge, CDHB
Anne Morgan, Palliative Care Team, CDHB
Debra Wilson, Nurse Maude Hospice
Dr Sandy McLeod, Palliative Care Physician
Dr Simon Allen, Medical Advisor for the MOH and Hospice NZ
Deborah Woodley, MOH
Vicki Telford, Aged Care Sector
Mary Schumacher, Hospice NZ
Gaye Robertson, Mary Potter Hospice
Julie Maher, Te Omanga Hospice
Barry Keane, Chair Working Party, MoH, Palliative Care
Jane Vella-brincat, Palliative Care Pharmacist
Dr Margie Martin, Victoria University
Internal UC
 Prof Ross Barnett, Geography,Prof Dennis Dutton, Philosophy,Prof Mike Robb, Communication
Disorders, Assoc Prof Neville Blampied, HOD Psychology, Assoc. Prof Wendy Lawson, HOD
Geography, Assoc Prof Terry Austrin, Sociology, Assoc Prof Kathleen Liberty, Education,
Dr Catherine Moran, HOD Communication Disorders, Alison Holmes, UCTL, Patricia Jordon, Library,
Marcella Payton, UCSA
Copies of this correspondence are available on request.
Goals of the programme
The PGDipHealSc and MHealSc Endorsements in Palliative Care are designed to give health professionals
across a range of disciplines the opportunity to examine critically significant issues in palliative care and
improve their professional practice. The Endorsement investigates theories and practices in a range of areas
including: reflective practice; caring for a person and their whanau and family with a life limiting illness; the
2
(04) UC/09-MHealSc,PGDipHealSc/2
practice of hospice palliative care (therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities); and creating and
maintaining a centre of excellence, research and learning.
Graduate profile
The Endorsement in Palliative Care provides graduates with an advanced introduction to research-based
understanding and knowledge of a range of aspects of the New Zealand health system and issues in the health
sector. The Endorsement in Palliative Care emphasises critical thinking about and understanding of issues
across a range of health-related areas in an interdisciplinary context.
A PGDipHealSc or MHealSc graduate with an Endorsement in Palliative Care is expected to:





demonstrate a knowledge of specific areas of health sciences practice and thought
explore current issues and processes in the New Zealand health sector, particularly in relation to
palliative care
apply academic learning to real life contexts
communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken English
develop analytical and critical skills relevant to lifelong learning and professional engagement
Outcome statement
As for PGDipHealSc and MHealSc
Programme overview
The PGDipHealSc endorsed in Palliative Care is a one year full-time programme or a maximum of four years
part time. It consists of HLTH 401: Health and Health Care in New Zealand, HLTH 405: Independent Study (in
an area related to palliative care) and HLTH 450: Palliative Care: Advanced Theory and Practice, and at least
one other approved course to at least 1 EFTS.
A candidate who holds the Whitireia Community Polytechnic PGCertHPC, with the approval of the Director,
Health Sciences Centre, may be exempt 0.5 EFTS and complete the PGDipHealSc Endorsed in Palliative Care
with HLTH 401 and HLTH 450.
The MHealSc is a two year full-time programme and may be completed part time, Part I is as described for the
PGDipHealSc (Palliative Care). Part II options include a mix of additional relevant course work and research,
or a thesis in the area of palliative care.
Proposed new regulations and prescriptions (append to the Calendar Form at the end of Section A)
See calendar changes.
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
Teaching in the Health Sciences Centre typically comprises lectures, seminar presentations, Moodle,
workshops, guest speakers and case studies that may draw on the experience and expertise of members of the
health profession, as appropriate. Teaching will be classroom-based and web-based. Some courses have
weekly campus sessions, and others are taught in blocks, typically two or three blocks of two or three days,
with online interaction and support between blocks.
Assessment procedures
Assessments for the courses include a range of assessment tools, appropriate to the skill being tested. They
include: written assignments, oral presentations, and participation in online discussions.
Predicted student numbers/EFTS
The ability for specialisation to be recognised as part of the qualification is likely to increase enrolment figures.
Many students are part-time but it is likely that there will be 5-6 who are working specifically toward the
Palliative Care endorsement.
Resources
There are no additional resourcing implications in this proposal. Current room allocations, library holdings and
3
(04) UC/09-MHealSc,PGDipHealSc/2
staffing are sufficient for anticipated student growth.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
The course will be subject to an annual course review (within the department) and regular UCTL course and
teaching surveys will also be completed.
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Calendar Form
Degree Regulations
2009 Calendar, p.189, Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) Endorsed in Palliative Care
After 1. (a) v “Men’s Health”
Add vi: “Palliative Care”
p. 192, Endorsement Requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
After Men’s Health
Add
Palliative Care
HLTH 401 and HLTH 405 and HLTH 450 and one more approved course to at
least 1.0 EFTS*
* A candidate who holds the Whitireia Community Polytechnic PGCertHPC, with the approval of the Director,
Health Sciences Centre, may be exempt 0.5 EFTS and complete the PGDipHealSc Endorsed in Palliative Care
with HLTH 401 and HLTH 450
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc), Endorsed in Palliative Care
2009 Calendar, p. 181, The Degree of Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc), Endorsed in Palliative Care
After 1. (a) v “Men’s Health”
Add vi: “Palliative Care”
p. 184, Endorsement Requirements for the Degree of Master of Health Sciences
After Men’s Health
Add
Palliative Care
HLTH 401 and HLTH 405 and HLTH 450, and one or more approved courses to
at least 1.0 EFTS, plus HLTH 690**; or HLTH 401 and HLTH 405 and HLTH
450, and other approved courses to at least 1.25 EFTS, plus HLTH 697**; or
HLTH 401 and HLTH 405 and HLTH 450, and other approved courses to at least
1.5 EFTS, plus HLTH 695**.
** A candidate who holds the Whitireia Community Polytechnic PGCertHPC, with the approval of the Director, Health
Sciences Centre, may be exempt 0.5 EFTS and complete the MHealSc Endorsed in Palliative Care with HLTH 401 and
HLTH 450, plus HLTH 690; or HLTH 401 and HLTH 450 and other approved courses to at least 0.25 EFTS, plus HLTH
697; or HLTH 401 and HLTH 450, and other approved courses to at least 0.5 EFTS, plus HLTH 695.
4
(04) UC/09-MHealSc,PGDipHealSc/2
Course Catalogue entry
HLTH 405 Special Topic: Independent Study
0.2500 EFTS
This course allows for supervised research in an area of personal interest. It is
of particular value for health professionals who want to examine a health related
issue in depth, and develop research expertise.
P: Subject to approval of the Director, Health Sciences
Centre
R: HLTH 605
EQ: HLTH 605
Domestic Fee: $1,456 (2009)
International Fee: $7,000 (2010)
HLTH405-10A (C) Starts Anytime
HLTH405-10A (D) Starts Anytime
HLTH405-10S1 (C) Semester 1
HLTH405-10W (C) Whole Year (S1 and S2)
HLTH405-10S2 (C) Semester 2
HLTH 450 Palliative Care: Advanced Theory and
Practice
0.2500 EFTS
The course will explore historical, political and philosophical concepts and
issues in relation to palliative care across the lifespan. Students from
different professional backgrounds will learn together in order to explore,
reflect and extend the range of their palliative practice. International,
national and local community influences will be explored.
P: Subject to approval of the Director, Health Sciences
Centre
Domestic Fee: $1,456 (2009)
International Fee: $7,000 (2010)
HLTH450-10W (C) Whole Year (S1 and S2)
Lect: Wed 1pm-6pm, Thu, Fri 9am-6pm
Three blocks each of 2 - 3 days, one in March, one mid-year
and one late August - early September
HLTH450-10W (D) Whole Year (S1 and S2)
Three blocks each of 2 - 3 days, one in March, one mid-year
and one late August - early September
5