Overview

The module aims to provide the students with the knowledge and skills to competently look after the patient being transferred to another health facility. It is a core module within the MSc in Advanced Retrieval and Transfer and is suitable for health professionals who are extending their knowledge and skills in critical care and retrieval and transfer practice. The content covers the fundamental knowledge required for the assessment and management of critically ill and injured patients and the organisation of safe transport using a range of transport platforms. The module assessment expects practitioners to be working within the retrieval and transfer environment who have access to an experienced supervisor to teach and support skill development in the clinical area which will facilitate the completion of clinical competencies. The module is delivered through an award-winning distance learning approach, allowing students to study at times which suit them and encourages a comfortable work, life balance.

The module is designed to provide subject specific content and is supported by highly qualified staff. Students will be encouraged and enabled to communicate with academic staff who can facilitate getting the best from the student using a student centric ethos.

Distance learning students will have access to the Universities resources and will be encouraged to become part of a learning community which brings together students from all over the country.

The syllabus may include but is not limited to:

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology

Logistics

Air Ambulance Medical passenger brief

Flight safety

Recognition, assessment, and stabilisation of the septic patient

Landing site safety

In transit emergencies

Multiagency working including followship and leadership.

Clinical decision making

Resources management

Error and reporting systems.

Trauma

Principles of trauma and it’s assessment

Trauma systems

Management of injuries

Wound management/splinting

Resuscitation Science

Vascular access

Fluid Management in all setting

Assessment of the critically ill patient

Fundamentals of Sepsis and Shock

Cardiac Arrest and post cardiac arrest management.

Neurological support

Arterial blood gas analysis

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (Grade A) Work displays comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding, reflecting extensive background study. The work is highly focussed, well structured, logically presented and with defended arguments. The work contains original interpretation and new links between topics are developed. The work is presented to a high standard with accurate communication and no factual errors.

Good (Grade B) Work displays sound knowledge and understanding but with some limitations. There is evidence of background study. The work had a defined and logical structure but with some weaknesses in the way in which arguments are presented. There is some original interpretation and demonstration of links between topics. The work is presented carefully with accurate communication and few factual errors.

Pass (Grade C) The work only demonstrates knowledge of key areas/principles and there is limited evidence of originality or of background study. The work contains some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. Arguments are presented but they lack coherence. The work contains factual errors with little evidence of problem solving. There are weaknesses in the standard of the presentation and its accuracy.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically assess the extent to which ergonomics and human factors can influence patient safety in the transfer environment.

• Critically evaluate a management plan to respond to the needs of the critically ill or injured patient in the transfer setting.

• Demonstrate competence in relation to case prioritisation and transfer requests with an awareness of a variety of networks.

• Demonstrate safe and effective followship and leadership in clinical teams.

• Identify and critically appraise the risk benefits in relation to professional jusdgement and complex transport decisions incorporating geography, patient charecteristics and different transport platforms.