Diploma in Patient Care Assistance

Learning Objectives

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance:

Introduction to Patient Care and Healthcare Environments

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of a patient care assistant within different healthcare settings.
• Learn the principles of safe, ethical, and compassionate care for patients.
• Gain awareness of healthcare policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality, data protection, and patient rights.
• Develop knowledge of the healthcare environment, including hospital, clinic, and community settings.
• Recognize the needs of diverse patient groups and provide inclusive care.
• Understand the significance of teamwork and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
• Learn strategies to maintain professionalism and a safe working environment.

Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Gain knowledge of basic human anatomy relevant to patient care.
• Understand physiological systems and their functions to support patient health.
• Learn the impact of illness, injury, or aging on the human body.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of common medical conditions.
• Understand how to support patients’ mobility, nutrition, and daily activities safely.
• Develop the ability to apply anatomical knowledge to patient care tasks.
• Understand the relationship between anatomy, physiology, and health monitoring.
• Build confidence in assisting healthcare professionals with patient assessments.

Infection Control and Health Safety Practices

• Understand the principles of infection prevention and control in healthcare.
• Learn proper hygiene and sanitation procedures to maintain patient safety.
• Recognize the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in care settings.
• Develop knowledge of procedures for handling and disposing of waste safely.
• Understand risk assessment and measures to prevent accidents or cross-contamination.
• Learn strategies to protect patients, colleagues, and oneself from infection.
• Understand reporting protocols for infection or safety incidents.
• Gain awareness of health and safety legislation in healthcare environments.

Personal Care and Support for Patients

• Learn techniques for assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
• Understand safe practices for patient mobility and positioning.
• Develop skills to support patients with physical or emotional needs compassionately.
• Gain knowledge of nutritional care and monitoring fluid intake.
• Learn strategies to respect patient dignity, privacy, and independence.
• Understand procedures for assisting patients with medical aids or devices.
• Develop competence in supporting patients with diverse health conditions.
• Build confidence in providing consistent, high-quality personal care.

Communication and Professional Relationships in Healthcare

• Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients and colleagues.
• Understand the importance of empathy, active listening, and emotional support.
• Learn to communicate patient information accurately and professionally.
• Develop skills for handling sensitive or challenging conversations.
• Understand teamwork principles and collaborative practice in healthcare.
• Learn strategies for building trust and maintaining professional relationships.
• Recognize the importance of cultural awareness and respecting patient diversity.
• Gain confidence in using communication to enhance patient care and safety.

Observation, Monitoring, and Reporting of Patient Health

• Learn to observe and record patient behavior, vital signs, and overall health accurately.
• Understand how to identify changes in patient conditions and respond appropriately.
• Develop skills in monitoring physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
• Learn reporting protocols for healthcare teams and documentation standards.
• Understand the significance of accurate record-keeping for patient safety and care planning.
• Gain knowledge of how to support care plans and treatment procedures effectively.
• Develop problem-solving skills to respond to observed health concerns.
• Build confidence in contributing to patient assessments and communicating findings to healthcare professionals.