You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

The 20 credit module, Care of the Acutely Ill Adult, available at level 6 (UZWR19-20-3) or level 7 (UZWR1A-20-M), will allow you to critically identify and interpret the appropriate course of action for a client with deteriorating respiratory and/or cardiovascular status.

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• critically analyse a client's condition using knowledge of altered respiratory and cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.

• critically evaluate communication and documentation issues relating to acute care in context of your own work environment.

• selectively analyse issues relating to the assessment and management of cognitive/neurological deterioration relevant to your own client group.

• analyse and discriminate between the clinical presentation in relation to the physiological response to infection and possible sepsis.

Careers / Further study

The Level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

• BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
• BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
• MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
• MSc Advanced Practice
• Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

• MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
• MSc Advanced Practice
• Professional Development Awards

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.  Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding.  Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

Content

The module syllabus typically includes:

Respiratory deterioration; assessment and management

• Applied physiology, pathophysiology,
• Chest x-ray interpretation and arterial blood gas analysis
• Oxygen therapy and nebulizer therapy
• Non-invasive respiratory support, tracheostomy, tracheal suction and other airway maintenance strategies

Cardiovascular deterioration; assessment and management

• Applied cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology
• Monitoring cardiac and vascular pressures
• Cardiovascular drugs and fluid therapy

Communication

• Track and trigger systems and communication tools
• Breaking bad news

Host response to Infection

• Host response
• Inflammation
• Sepsis

Detecting neurological deterioration

• Neurological/cognitive assessment
• Acute confusional states and acute severe headache

Above content mapped against: Department of Health (2009) Competencies for recognising and responding to acutely ill patients in hospital. (Recogniser and Primary responder)

The entire module is delivered online. You will undertake a variety of non-synchronous learning tasks including discussion boards, wikis and guided online reading. Audio visual and Interactive media will be employed where appropriate such as quizzes, exercises, and video tutorials.

Core information will be provided on blackboard and will draw upon and direct you to the wealth of material available via the internet including, videos, webinars, tutorials and simulations. There will recommended but not essential practical learning experiences (for example a visit to the operating theatre).

The module is structured into two large and two smaller themes

a)   Respiratory

b)   Cardiovascular

c)   Communication

d)   Host response to infection

Core material in relation to these topics is provided online and organised according to the theme. There is an inherent progression within respiratory and cardiovascular themes which starts at physiology and ends at management.

You are free to study at your own pace and "surfing" beyond core topics (but with relevance to your own practice) is encouraged. PDF files, links or digitised copies of any essential reading will be provided.

The remaining 18 contact hours will be non-synchronous learning through discussion, collaboration (wiki) and individual communication with allocated team member.

A total of 48 hours in the form of online seminars, lectures and activities online contact time with a module team member this maybe synchronous in the form of a Collaborate webinar within blackboard, or text based synchronous discussion board or similar online media.

• You will be expected to undertake a series of 5 x 10 minute online activities throughout the module, timed at specific module weeks and embedded in the learning process.

• A 1,500 word assignment will allow for application of the knowledge gained in the online activities to the management of the deteriorating patient.

• You will be given opportunities to test your understanding and learning in several interactive quizzes and activities with feedback throughout the module. These activities will also prepare you for engagement with the summative elements described below.