Online education for informal carers: an introduction to end of life issues

The coronavirus COVID-19 has brought with it times of uncertainty and anxiety, and many people are worried about their own health and the health of the people they care about. People know that in extreme cases the coronavirus can cause death, and in this context some people will want to know more about death and dying, and how family, friends, neighbours and community members can provide support to each other at the most difficult of times.

With this in mind, SPPC has created an online module which looks at:

• Medicine and treatment towards the end of life
• Emotional and spiritual issues
• Death and bereavement

The module then explores what help and support might be provided by a friend of family member:

• Helping without interfering
• Active listening
• Being with someone who is dying
• Looking after your own wellbeing

The module does not look specifically at COVID-19, or dying from COVID-19. Rather, it introduces and explores dying in general – what to expect, and how to help. It comprises a collection of films and reflections designed for ordinary people who want to know more about dying, death and bereavement, including people who have no previous clinical or caring experience. It may also be helpful for health or social care staff without previous experience of palliative or end of life care whose role is changing in response to the COVID-19 situation.

The module is free to use, but access is restricted to enable SPPC to ensure that those accessing the module are aware of the context in which it can be used, and the limitations of online learning about this topic.

If you would like to access this material, please email and we can discuss how to make the course available. We'd be grateful if, in your email, you could let us know the context in which you think you would use the module including who you think would find the module useful (eg family members, carers, inexperienced staff etc).