Master

Academic Collaboration

The I Level Master in Palliative Care and Pain Management is offered by the Department of Life Sciences, Health, and Health Professions at Link Campus University, in collaboration with professionals and experts from across the national palliative care field.

Purposes

The aim of the I level Master in "Palliative Care and Pain Management" for the healthcare professions, is to train healthcare professionals — nurses, pediatric nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists — with advanced clinical skills, decision-making abilities, and specific interpersonal skills in the field of palliative care and pain management.

The learning pathway is established pursuant to Article 8 of Law N. 38 of 15 March 2010, and the Interministerial Decree of 4 April 2012, and is designed in accordance with the national guidelines of the Italian Core Competencies for Nurses in Palliative Care (SICP, 2018) and the Core Curriculum for Physical Therapists in Palliative Care (SICP, 2024).

The Master’s learning pathway is designed to develop the skills needed to provide comprehensive, early, and ongoing care for individuals with cancer and/or chronic progressive conditions who require palliative care, as well as for individuals with moderate-to-severe chronic pain, throughout all stages of their disease course.

The course integrates advanced clinical skills, decision-making abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, and evidence-based practice tools, preparing professionals to work in the various components of the palliative care and pain management network.

Target Students

To enroll in the Master, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or Pediatric Nursing (Class L/SNT1) or an equivalent qualification in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, paragraph 1, of Law N. 42 of 26 February 1999, and Article 1, paragraph 10, of Law N. 1 of 8 January 2002.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy (Class L/SNT2) or Occupational Therapy (Class L/SNT2)

In addition, at the time of enrollment, applicants must be registered with the professional association for their respective field and licensed to practice their profession.

Educational objectives

Upon completion of the Master, the candidates will be able to:

• Identify patients in need of palliative care and pain management at an early stage, using validated screening and assessment tools.
• Conduct a multidimensional assessment of the patient and their family, with particular attention to physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
• Manage chronic pain and the symptoms of chronic, progressive diseases through pharmacological, non-pharmacological, rehabilitative, and complementary interventions, in accordance with the best scientific evidence.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate personalized care and rehabilitation interventions that are consistent with the Individual Care Plan (ICP) and agreed upon by the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure continuity of care across the various levels and settings of the network (home, hospice, hospital, outpatient clinic), guaranteeing a structured and safe management of care transitions.
• Establish an effective and respectful care relationship with the patient and their family, based on active listening, empathy, and shared decision-making.
• Communicate complex and emotionally charged clinical information clearly, gradually, and appropriately, while demonstrating interpersonal sensitivity.
• Support patients and their families as they adapt to illness, loss, and grief.
• Promote and integrate the expertise of all professionals on the care team, recognizing dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics and managing potential conflicts.
• Recognize and address ethical dilemmas related to end-of-life care, chronic pain, futile medical treatment, informed consent, and advance directives.
• Protect the dignity, autonomy, and wishes of the person receiving care.
• Contribute to the development and operation of the palliative care and pain management network, working in coordination with local, hospital, and social-health services.
• Use tools to assess the complexity of care and the appropriateness of care levels.
• Promote a culture of palliative care and pain management in organizational and educational settings, as well as within the community.
• Promote the quality and safety of care through interventions based on the best scientific evidence and centered on the individual.

Didactics

The Master, established pursuant to MD 270/2004, lasts 12 months, with a total commitment of 1500 hours, divided as follows:

• Synchronous Didactic Activities - 20 CFU
• Asynchronous Didactic Activities - 5 CFU
• Professional training internship in presence at institutions affiliated with Link Campus University that are part of the Master’s program’s training network - 20 CFU
• Exercises and experiential workshops in presence at Link Campus University - 5 CFU
• Individual study, project work, and research activities: for in-depth, self-directed exploration, consolidation, and active experimentation with the material covered in the course, and for the preparation of a final dissertation – 10 CFU

Throughout the training program, there will be midterm assessments carried out in presence, which will allow us to monitor the candidates’ learning progress and will contribute to the final assessment.

Master Diploma

The final test consists in writing a final dissertation, which will be presented and discussed in person before a designated board. Successful completion of this requirement leads to the award of a Master in Palliative Care and Pain Management.

Assistance and Tutoring

Throughout the program, the students will be supported by academic and professional mentors who will provide academic and organizational support, as well as guidance during their internships.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the master is € 3900

Registration

Students who wish to enrol may request an appointment with the Orientation Office by calling +39 06 3400 6000.

Faculty

The teaching staff of the Master is comprised of professionals with proven experience in the field of palliative care and pain management from the academic field and experts in clinical practice, and research, who are ready to share their knowledge and expertise through a multidisciplinary and innovative approach.