Acute and High Dependency Care Core Skills (Level 7)

Program Overview

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This Acute and High Dependency Care Core Skills course equips healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills for caring for critically ill patients. Through evidence-based practice and critical thinking, participants develop expertise in patient assessment, non-invasive ventilation, and management of respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological problems. The program emphasizes a critically reflective approach and utilizes active learning methods to foster professional growth and prepare participants for advanced roles in acute and high-dependency care.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Overview:

This Acute and High Dependency Care Core Skills course is specifically designed for professionals working with patients requiring higher levels of care. By exploring the evidence base for care, this course equips participants with new skills for high-dependency care practice, focusing on specific knowledge and understanding that underpins essential care for acutely unwell, deteriorating patients.

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Objectives:

• Advance knowledge and skills specific to acute and high-dependency care.
• Facilitate informed decision-making in clinical situations.
• Develop skills in physical assessment for critically ill patients.
• Foster a critically reflective approach to the care of deteriorating patients.

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Program Description:

This course focuses on the specific knowledge and understanding that underpin essential care for the acutely unwell, deteriorating patient. These patients typically have renal, respiratory, or cardiac failure, shock or sepsis and may need higher levels of support such as non-invasive ventilation. The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively care for these patients, emphasizing evidence-based practice and critical thinking.

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Outline

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Content:

• Disordered anatomy and physiology
• Patient assessment and management
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological problems
• Acute and chronic renal failure
• Shock and sepsis
• End-of-life care in the high-dependency environment

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Structure:

The program consists of 12 non-consecutive weeks of study, starting on October 4th, 2023. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at Northampton Square.

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Course Schedule:

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Term 1

• October 4, 18
• November 1, 15, 29
• December 6

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Modules:

Each module focuses on specific aspects of acute and high-dependency care:

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Module 1: Introduction to Acute and High-Dependency Care

• Definition and scope of acute and high-dependency care
• The multidisciplinary team
• Patient assessment and monitoring
• Communication and documentation

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Module 2: Respiratory Failure

• Pathophysiology of respiratory failure
• Management of acute respiratory failure
• Non-invasive ventilation

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Module 3: Cardiovascular Failure

• Pathophysiology of cardiovascular failure
• Management of acute cardiovascular failure
• Shock and sepsis

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Module 4: Renal Failure

• Pathophysiology of renal failure
• Management of acute and chronic renal failure

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Module 5: Neurological Failure

• Pathophysiology of neurological failure
• Management of acute neurological failure
• End-of-life care in the high-dependency environment

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• 3,000-word essay evaluating a specific patient problem encountered in caring for a Level 2 patient.
• The essay will critically evaluate the learning and development action plan for future learning needs.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Simulated practice

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Faculty:

The program is led by experienced professionals in acute and high-dependency care, including:

• Dr. Rachel Grant, Senior Lecturer: With a background in transplantation and cardio-thoracic intensive care, Dr. Grant brings extensive clinical experience and practice development expertise to the program.

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Unique Approach:

• The program emphasizes a critically reflective approach to care, encouraging participants to develop self-awareness and identify areas for personal and professional growth within the high-dependency care environment.
• The course utilizes active learning methods, such as simulated practice, to ensure participants gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Advanced Nurse Practitioner
• Critical Care Nurse
• High Dependency Unit Nurse
• Specialist Nurse in Acute and High-Dependency Care

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Other:

• This program is offered as a 15-credit CPD course.
• Participants can take this course as a standalone offering or as part of an Advanced Practice Masters Programme.

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Conclusion: