Overview

The module is designed to build on the learning needs of professionals working within the inter facility transfer environment. 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 module focus is to advance the practitioner’s underpinning knowledge related to the complex medical support and management of patients requiring level 3 inter-hospital transfer. The module 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. 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 key to the modules within the programme is the establishment of a predictable rhythm which assists navigation for both students and academics.

The syllabus may include but not limited to:

Trauma

Specialist management: spinal, burns, chemical, including nerve and radiation, haemorrhagic fevers, Ebola, Marburg and Lassa Fever – specialist management and destination considerations

Shock states

Cardiogenic shock assessment and planning

Sepsis

Trauma

Neurogenic shock

Anaphylaxis shock

Diagnostics

USS

Xray interpretation?

Airway management

Anaesthesia: detailed knowledge of indications and processes

Airway assessment: manual airway control, basic adjuncts; basic and advanced

Laryngoscopy: direct and video. Suction

RSI

Manual ventilation: BVM and anaesthesia circuit

Anas ethic pharmacology: induction agents; neuromuscular blockade and maintenance

Use and interpretation of capnography.

Procedural sedation and analgesia: detailed knowledge of indication and process; use and interpretation of nasal capnography.

Pharmacology of sedation and analgesia

Multimodal anaesthesia including nerve blockade.

Neuro protective strategies in the brain injured patient, management of critical ICP

Difficult airway management including cricothyroidotomy.

Variation in technique for special groups i.e. critically ill, injured or elderly.

Failed intubation management; failed oxygenation management

Risk/benefit assessment

Assessment Strategy

The assessment startegy will include a practice assessment document (PAD)(pass/fail) and Multiple choice exam with a choice of 3 out of 5 short answer questions (part A True False questions 40 % part 2 Short annswer questions 60 % =100%). All assessments have to be successfully completed to complete the module. Numerical Marking criteria 80 -100%A+ 70 –79%AExcellent 60 – 69%BVery good pass 50 –59%CGood pass (C- is threshold for L7)

The practice assessment will be completed with the students area of employment (within the retrieval and transfer service, as indicated in admission criteria) and may be enhanced by the student and mentor negotiating time in another area to develop competence (agreed with employer).

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate advanced assessment and management plans for a wide variety of critically ill or injured patients, encountered within the transfer setting.

• Critically appraise and understand advancing evidence and its application to practice.

• Critically appraise the acquisition and interpretation of advanced theraputics and apply to the management of a critically ill patient.

• Critically evaluate and understand the pathophysiological correlation between critical care theraputics and disease state.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding and systematic knowledge and understanding of deterioration and stabilisation in a range of common presentations in the critical care and transfer environment.