SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply palliative care principles when assisting and supporting the client and family to manage life-threatening disease 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117009  Apply palliative care principles when assisting and supporting the client and family to manage life-threatening disease 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ancillary Health Care 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Rehabilitative Health/Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons required to assist with the provision of palliative care to persons whose disease is no longer responsive to curative treatment and to provide relevant information to clients and families. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The following competencies or equivalent:
  • Assist and Support the Client and Family to Manage Home Based Care 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Includes basic knowledge of all aspects of palliative care and how these are applied in the promotion of care in a variety of settings i.e. community, home or institutions.

    The care will take place under the mentorship and supervision of a professionally qualified health worker. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate a basic knowledge of all aspects of the concept of palliative care. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The concept of palliative care to include:
  • Patients who are not responsive to curative treatment
  • Focus of care is the patient and family
  • Patient autonomy
  • Quality of life
  • Pain and symptom management
  • Emotional and psycho-social concerns
  • Bereavement 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Discuss all aspects of the concept of palliative care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identify the practical application of all of these aspects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discuss the various ways in which death is viewed in society. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Discuss the concepts of quality of life, total pain and bereavement. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of all the possible role players involved in the provision of palliative care and their respective roles. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Teamwork
  • Understanding of and respect for, the different roles
  • Record keeping
  • Confidentiality. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Identify all the different role players in the palliative care team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Discuss the roles played by each of these role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Demonstrate effective communication skills relevant to the palliative care team. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate the legal and ethical issues related to the provision of palliative care. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Euthanasia
  • Feeding
  • Hydration
  • Confidentiality
  • Patient autonomy
  • The right to information
  • The right to treatment 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Discuss the legal issues related to the provision of palliative care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Discuss the ethical issues related to the provision of palliative care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discuss the factors that could cause legal and ethical problems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand the needs of the dying patient and the family and explain what could be done to meet these needs. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Family to include relatives, friends and support groups

    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Difficulty in chewing and / or swallowing
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Psycho-social and spiritual 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Discuss the needs of the dying patient and the family. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Explain the various ways of meeting these needs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Assist in the management of pain and other symptoms at all levels under the direction of a qualified health worker. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The caregiver is at all times bound by the scope of practice and should refer when necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assess the patient's level of pain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Assess the patient's other symptoms. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of grief and loss and the associated feelings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Discuss the needs of the bereaved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Explain the ways in which personal and other resources could be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Explain the ways in which team resources could be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Explain the ways in which community resources could be used. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider by HWSETA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the HWSETA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of palliative care resources, relevant terms.

    Purpose of:
  • Specific referrals and treatment for palliative care
  • Community practices regarding death, bereavement and funeral customs

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Death and funeral; ·specific to palliative care; ·bereavement

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Local policies and procedures including death and burial

    Theory, rules, principles, laws:
  • Ethical and legal principles and ·patient rights

    Relationships, systems:
  • Experience in family and other interpersonal relationships
  • Working with a multi-disciplinary team and referral system
  • Working with community members and communication system 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the physical, social, emotional and spiritual condition of the patient.
  • AC: Discuss all aspects of the concept of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the concepts of quality of life, total pain and bereavement.
  • AC: Discuss the legal issues related to the provision of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the ethical issues related to the provision of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the factors that could cause legal and ethical problems.
  • AC: Discuss the needs of the dying patient and the family.
  • AC: Explain the various ways of meeting these needs.
  • AC: Assess the patient's level of pain.
  • AC: Assess the patient's other symptoms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with client, family and community.
  • AC: Identify the practical application of all of these aspects.
  • AC: Demonstrate effective communication skills relevant to the palliative care team.
  • AC: Discuss the needs of the bereaved.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a palliative care team.
  • AC: Identify the practical application of all of these aspects.
  • AC: Identify all the different role players in the palliative care team.
  • AC: Discuss the roles played by each of these role players.
  • AC: Demonstrate effective communication skills relevant to the palliative care team.
  • AC: Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which personal and other resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which team resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which community resources could be used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and ones activities responsibly and effectively in a palliative care context.
  • AC: Demonstrate effective communication skills relevant to the palliative care team.
  • AC: Discuss the needs of the bereaved.
  • AC: Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect analyse organise and evaluate information about clients, family and community.
  • AC: Discuss all aspects of the concept of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the concepts of quality of life, total pain and bereavement.
  • AC: Discuss the factors that could cause legal and ethical problems.
  • AC: Discuss the needs of the bereaved.
  • AC: Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which personal and other resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which team resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which community resources could be used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with clients; family and members of the palliative care team in order to facilitate palliative care.
  • AC: Identify the practical application of all of these aspects.
  • AC: Discuss the legal issues related to the provision of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the ethical issues related to the provision of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the factors that could cause legal and ethical problems.
  • AC: Discuss the needs of the dying patient and the family.
  • AC: Explain the various ways of meeting these needs.
  • AC: Discuss the needs of the bereaved.
  • AC: Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which personal and other resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which team resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which community resources could be used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively with regard to available equipment with regard to the control of distressing symptoms.
  • AC: Explain the various ways of meeting these needs.
  • AC: Assess the patient's level of pain.
  • AC: Assess the patient's other symptoms.
  • AC: Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which team resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which community resources could be used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems with regard to community and community structures cultural sensitivity and spiritual sensitivity.
  • AC: Discuss all aspects of the concept of palliative care.
  • AC: Discuss the various ways in which death is viewed in society.
  • AC: Discuss the concepts of quality of life, total pain and bereavement.
  • AC: Identify all the different role players in the palliative care team.
  • AC: Discuss the roles played by each of these role players.
  • AC: Assess the patient's level of pain.
  • AC: Assess the patient's other symptoms.
  • AC: Identify and list the resources within the community and team that could be effectively used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which personal and other resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which team resources could be used.
  • AC: Explain the ways in which community resources could be used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Specified Requirements

    Legal:
  • Work within the guidelines of the scope of practise of the Ancillary Health Worker

    Site Specific
  • Learners must work in accordance with the protocols, procedures and policies of the relevant work environment

    Credit Allocation:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
  • Classroom learning: 28 hours
  • On-the-job learning: 60 hours
  • Self directed learning: 15 hours
  • Coaching required: 6 hours
  • TOTAL: 109 hours

    Credits Achieved: 10 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64749   National Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Elective  49085   National Certificate: Fundamental Ancillary Health Care  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-02-18  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  80786   National Certificate: Home-Care Practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.