• Continuing professional development (CPD)

Care of the Critically Ill Adult (Enhanced and High Dependency Care)

CPD Level 6
Location
How to apply
How to apply
Overview

Overview

This course is designed for those working in acute and critical care areas such as Enhanced Care, Acute Medical and Higher Monitoring Units, Post Anaesthetic Care, Recovery, Coronary Care units and/or High Dependency care.

Delivered at our West London campus, it is ideal for those who wish to extend their skills in caring for those who are critically unwell or are at risk of deteriorating to become critically ill.

Course requirements: Evidence of study at Level 5 (Diploma Level). You will be working within a clinical setting that cares for adults with increased risk of clinical deterioration, requiring Level 1, Enhanced and/or High Dependency Care.

Cost and funding: This fee covers the full course cost.

  • Sept 24 - Aug 25 fees: £1800
  • Sept 25 - Aug 26 fees: TBC

Credits: 40

Assessment method:

  • Critical analysis of patient assessment, care escalation and initial management performed at OSCE 30% 
  • Written case study 70% 
  • Practice assessment competencies.

Each of the assessment elements must be passed.

Male nurse tending to patient in hospital bed, with a second nurse present.
Study dates and times

Study dates and times

This course is taught on day release, select a start date to see the study days:

Study days are from 9am to 5pm.

You will review recent national and professional strategies to recognise deterioration and support those in need of critical care, and apply them to the practice setting.

A structured clinical assessment using the ABCDE approach and a recognised tool to evaluate deterioration risk will be critically explored with abnormal clinical findings being linked to changes in the physiology of the acute/critically ill adult.  

Supportive strategies both in the assessment and management of this client group will be examined for their evidence base and the specific skills required for the management of the critically ill adult delivered in an enhanced care/high dependency environment will be addressed.

Clinical competencies essential for care delivery, for example, recognising deterioration and care escalation, recognition and management of sepsis, 12 lead ECG recording, arterial blood gas interpretation, haemodynamic monitoring, non-invasive ventilation are required for course completion. Professional, legal, ethical and psychosocial form part of the analysis of care. 

Case studies will be used to support skills learning on the course. Simulation of patient scenarios, and clinical skills practice in the simulation centre are integrated into study days.

What you will gain from this course:

  • Skills to perform a structured clinical assessment, risk identification and timely care escalation
  • Skills in understanding the clinical indicators of disordered physiology in the acutely unwell patient requiring enhanced/high dependency care 
  • Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based management of the acutely unwell adult requiring higher enhanced/high dependency care  
  • Further insight into professional issues, ongoing care planning, national and professional strategies in acute and critical care
  • Achievement of 12 clinical competencies based in your practice area, care for those who require enhanced/high dependency care.
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Helen Dutton

Helen Dutton

I am a registered nurse with a clinical background in intensive and critical care nursing and teaching experience with both pre and post qualifying nurses. My approaches to teaching and learning are varied but simulation is an important strategy, which I have found invaluable in the development of the skills required for critical care.

I am a registered nurse with a clinical background in intensive and critical care nursing and teaching experience with both pre and post qualifying nurses. My approaches to teaching and learning are varied but simulation is an important strategy, which I have found invaluable in the development of the skills required for critical care.

How to apply

How to apply

We recommend your application is submitted to the University at least two weeks prior to the start of the course. 

After your application is accepted and you have been offered a place on the course, you will be sent information about how to enrol. You must complete enrolment before your course starts.

Apply for this course

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Contact us

For more information about our CPD courses please get in touch with Dr Claire Anderson, Associate Dean (Berkshire), College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare:

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