Summary
A purpose-written and regularly updated course manual replaces traditional lectures. It is crucial to read this manual before attending the course, as it serves as an introduction to the fundamental knowledge and forms the basis for discussions that will be further developed in the workshops. We recommend 1 day for private study and preparation to make the most of this material.
The subsequent 1-day face-to-face course primarily comprises small, interactive group workshops led by experienced critical care practitioners.
Who is it aimed at?
Throughout the course, our main focus has been to help you understand the fundamental aspects of critical care relevant to UK practice.
The course is designed to be equally beneficial for nursing staff, medical staff, critical care practitioners, and other allied healthcare specialists involved in the care of critically ill patients, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. In the workshop sessions, you will benefit from the advantages of a collaborative learning approach that promotes interaction among these groups who work together within intensive care units.
From a medical perspective, the course caters to the needs of core trainees with an interest in critical care. It also offers an opportunity for early specialist trainees to consolidate their knowledge or for enthusiastic foundation doctors to challenge themselves further.
For nursing staff, the course provides essential knowledge and understanding necessary for taking on higher levels of responsibility within critical care. Critical care practitioners will find it valuable for promoting high standards in the care they provide and advancing their own career paths.
Course aims
Stepping into a critical care unit for the first time as a healthcare provider is an unparalleled experience in medicine. The atmosphere is charged with high-tech equipment, and the most critically ill patients in the hospital are cared for by a diverse multidisciplinary team. Amidst this, the emotions of anxious friends and family members are palpable. The blend of technology, teamwork, and tension creates an exhilarating, potentially inspiring, yet initially overwhelming environment. However, those who are drawn to critical care soon discover themselves learning the ropes and embracing roles that once seemed distant.
This course aims to complement existing educational opportunities and provide a solid knowledge foundation, contextualising what is learned in clinical practice. It empowers individuals within critical care to progress from early stages to becoming confident, key decision-makers within the team. While newcomers to critical care might find the course quite detailed, and those preparing for the FICM exam may consider it lacking sufficient depth, it is tailored to help everyone in between acquire knowledge and build confidence in their work.
Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance for your continuing professional development records. This certification does not confirm competence in the described skills, but we are confident that it will reflect your increased knowledge and understanding compared to before attending the course, making it a rewarding and enlightening experience.
People who have been on the course describe it like this
Interesting, Informative, Useful, Helped me to understand more about critical care, A really good format to learn what I needed to know.