Program Overview

Care of the Critically Ill Obstetric Patient (Online)

This online course is one of a series of five from the Critical Care team at the School of Medicine. The care of the critically ill obstetric patient is complex, and the incidence of this patient group is increasing. A recent study identified that 10% of pregnant women needed level 3 critical care during the first wave of COVID-19, and the UK NHS identified 20% of Critical Care COVID-19 admissions as unvaccinated pregnant women.

Course Details

• The course is self-directed, comprising approximately 7-10 study hours.
• Content will be available all week for students to work through at their own pace.
• A live introductory session by the Critical Care team is optional.

Target Audience

The course is suitable for any healthcare professional who cares for complex or acute and critically ill obstetric patients, including:

• Medical obstetrician and anaesthetic trainees
• GPs
• Nurses
• Midwives
• Prehospital professionals

Course Content

Students will learn about the identification, management, and care of obstetric women who become acutely unwell during pregnancy, labour, or the postnatal period. The course covers the management of specialist conditions that necessitate admission to critical care, including:

• Pre-eclampsia
• Placental abruption
• Thromboembolism and AFE
• Haemorrhage
• Pre-existing maternal disease
• Oxygen delivery and monitoring
• Obstetric sepsis

Benefits

The course benefits healthcare professionals by enhancing their understanding of the evidence and theories that inform the care of acute and critically ill obstetric patients. Students will learn at their own pace, with both tutor-led sessions, pre-recorded sessions, guided reading, and interactive exercises. The course encourages active discussion, allowing students to network and exchange ideas with peers.

Delivery

The online course is delivered via the University's learning platform, including recorded presentations, written text, guidelines, recommended reading, and web links. The module team provides support and guidance via discussion forums and a live introductory webinar.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are demonstrated through personal reflection and online tasks within the course materials.

Critical Care Online Courses

This course is part of a suite of five online CPD courses in Critical Care.

Professional Development

The University offers extensive continuing professional development (CPD) training courses and opportunities to help healthcare professionals develop throughout their careers.