Introduction to Critical Care (Level 7)

Program Overview

The Introduction to Critical Care (Level 7) program is a professional development course designed for beginner-level Critical Care practitioners. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering patient assessment, physiology, pharmacology, and treatment modalities. The program combines online and on-campus sessions, case-based learning, and work-based learning to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to safely manage critically ill patients. Successful completion opens doors to specialized roles in critical care settings and serves as a foundation for further professional development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Introduction to Critical Care (Level 7) is a professional development course that aims to provide beginner-level Critical Care practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for acutely ill patients. The course offers a combination of flexible independent study and live online seminar sessions to facilitate learning and understanding of key bioscience disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Additionally, participants will engage with critical care patient management strategies to solidify their foundational understanding and support their development within the field of critical care.

Objectives:

This 15-credit module is designed to:

• Equip participants with a strong foundation in critical care concepts and principles.
• Allow participants to critically evaluate fundamental concepts for specialist practice within critical care.
• Introduce participants to commonly used treatment modalities in critical care settings.
• Enable participants to safely contribute towards the care and management of critically ill adult patients.

Description:

This introductory module provides a comprehensive overview of the field of critical care, covering various aspects crucial to the successful care and management of critically ill patients. The syllabus includes:

• Patient physical assessment
• Physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems
• Common pharmacology used in each system
• Interpretation and application of investigation results
• Psychosocial care for patients and their families
• Introduction to advanced respiratory support, cardiovascular monitoring, and renal replacement therapy
• Evidence-based practice and tools for effective research

Outline

Content:

This 15-credit module covers a comprehensive range of topics related to critical care, providing participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely manage acutely ill patients.

Structure:

The module is delivered over a 3-month period and includes a combination of online and on-campus sessions:

• Online face-to-face sessions in the form of webinars, lectures, and online discussion activities
• Self-directed learning using provided online material
• Synchronous and asynchronous online lectures
• Online seminars in small groups
• Case-based learning via tutorials and independent work
• Guided independent study
• Work-based learning

Schedule:

Term 1

• Tutorial 1: Wednesday 2 October 2023 (on-campus)
• Tutorial 2: Wednesday 16 October 2023 (online)
• Tutorial 3: Wednesday 30 October 2023 (online)
• Tutorial 4: Monday 6 November 2023 (online)
• Tutorial 5: Monday 20 November 2023 (on-campus)
• Online Examination: Tuesday 16 January 2024 (online)

Term 3

• Tutorial 1: Monday 29 April 2024
• Tutorial 2: Monday 13 May 2024
• Tutorial 3: Monday 3 June 2024
• Tutorial 4: Monday 10 June 2024
• Tutorial 5: Monday 24 June 2024
• Online Examination: Monday 29 July 2024

Individual modules:

Please refer to the "Course Overview" section for detailed information about the specific topics covered in each tutorial and module.

Assessment

Assessment methods:

Participants are required to pass an online open-book exam to successfully complete this module. The pass mark for the module is 40% for level 6 students and 50% for level 7 students.

Assessment criteria:

The assessment criteria are closely aligned with the learning outcomes of the module and focus on evaluating the participant's ability to:

• Critically evaluate fundamental concepts in critical care practice
• Apply critical care knowledge and skills in patient care settings
• Demonstrate understanding of the treatment modalities used for critically ill patients
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals

Teaching

Teaching methods:

The module employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to various learning styles and preferences:

• Online lectures and seminars
• Case-based learning
• Guided independent study
• Work-based learning

Faculty:

The module is delivered by experienced academics and healthcare professionals specializing in critical care. The faculty is committed to providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment, fostering active engagement and interaction among participants.

Unique approaches:

The module utilizes various innovative approaches to enhance the learning experience:

• Blended learning: The combination of online and on-campus sessions provides flexibility and convenience for participants while maintaining the rigor and interaction of a traditional learning environment.
• Case-based learning: Engaging with real-world case studies allows participants to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Work-based learning: Participants are encouraged to integrate their learning with their professional practice, solidifying their understanding and promoting direct application of knowledge and skills in their clinical setting.
• Emphasis on evidence-based practice: Participants are introduced to tools for searching and selecting evidence from various sources, equipping them to stay current with the latest research and advancements in critical care.

Careers

Potential career paths:

The Introduction to Critical Care module serves as an excellent foundation for healthcare professionals seeking to pursue careers in various critical care settings, such as:

• Intensive care units (ICUs)
• High dependency units (HDUs)
• Emergency departments
• Coronary care units (CCUs)
• Respiratory care units

Opportunities:

The completion of this module can open doors to various opportunities within the critical care field, including specialized roles in areas such as:

• Respiratory care
• Cardiac care
• Trauma care
• Neurological care
• Renal care

Outcomes:

Participants who successfully complete the Introduction to Critical Care module are well-prepared to:

• Assume the role of contributing members of critical care teams
• Provide safe and effective care to critically ill patients
• Continue their professional development in critical care specialization

Other

Additional Benefits:

• This introductory module provides a foundation for progression to the full MSc Critical Care program (CAM001/CA3001).
• The module can be taken as a stand-alone module or contribute to a University degree or award.

Eligibility:

• Registered nurse working within a critical care unit
• Support from line manager to undertake this module