Step Two: Advanced Critical Care HEA4201

Overview

This module has been designed in partnership with Liverpool Heart and Chest Foundation NHS Trust (LHCH) to support the development of critical care staff in acquiring further appropriate core knowledge and skills to successfully complete the National Adult Critical Care Competencies at Step Two of the National Framework. The enhanced knowledge, skills and technical abilities considered in this module will focus on the assessment and management of patients following emergency events which has led to admission to a critical care environment. Pathophysiology, psychosocial aspects and expectations of discrete professional groups are identified as key themes within the learning experience which underpin safe, effective critical care

Module code:	HEA4201
Level:	7
Module credits:	30
Cost for new students:	£1500 per module for 2024 / 2025 academic year

If your tuition fee is being paid by a sponsor or you are a sponsor paying a student’s fee, you are required to send a copy of a purchase order to [email protected].

For further guidance please visit: Sponsored students – Edge Hill University

Who is this module for?

This module will be particularly attractive to established nurses and ODP’s ( practicing in a critical care environment for a minimum of a year) who will be expected to have evidenced achievement of Step One Competencies and be working in an area that supports Step Two competency development.

What are the key aims of the module?

Demonstrate critical application of expertise in achievement of Step Two competencies (National
Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care).

How will I study?

The module will be delivered at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital

What will I study?

The content relates to the National Critical Care Competencies and reflects a systems based approach.

* Knowledge of applied relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
* Recognition of health abnormalities
* Competency to assess, plan and implement and evaluate care for patients with health abnormalities including the ability to plan and contribute to rehabilitation alongside the MDT
* Knowledge relating to pharmacology and pharmacokinetics
* Knowledge of investigation, interpretation and application of results
* Knowledge of treatment modalities including safe and effective use of equipment
* Competency in managing emergency situations
* Leading and working as a team
* End of life care
* Intra and Inter-hospital transfer.

How will I be assessed?

The variety of assessments within HEA4201 provide an excellent vehicle for students to demonstrate deep learning, develop thinking, enhance intellectual skills and build effective communication links commensurate with specialist and non-specialist groups. The students will be assessed both under exam conditions with short answer questions and OSCE and through submission of a competency document (Step Two). This range of assessments give the student a chance to exercise their skill proficiency, demonstrate their underpinning knowledge base, develop and evaluate arguments and express their personal and professional views.

The assessment of this module, benchmarked against the National Critical Care competencies, comprises the following :
• An end point 2.5 hour examination ( short answers based on patient scenarios)
• Two 20 min OSCEs ( 80% pass mark )
• Completion of the Step two competency document (pass / fail)

On successful completion you will:

Critically apply knowledge of the patient’s history and pathophysiological changes to ensure safe
management of the complex critically ill patient.

Critically examine the skills of assessment, decision-making and communication to evaluate care
of the critically ill complex patient.

Critically apply appropriate clinical knowledge when undertaking psycho motor skills to
demonstrate effective management of the critically ill complex patient.

Study dates and venues

How to apply

Module availability varies from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to the popularity of some modules it may be that the module is fully booked when your application is received. We will include your details on a waiting list and allocate you a place on the next available intake.

For details of how to apply, please visit the apply page.

Ruth Gilbert, Clinical Lead
Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Thomas Drive,
Liverpool,
L14 3PE.

Contact us

Ruth Gilbert: Clinical Lead : email [email protected]

Delyth Meirion-Owen: Academic Lead : email [email protected]

For any other queries, you can contact the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health on [email protected].

Pathways

This module forms part of the

• PGCert Advanced Critical Care

There is opportunity for students to progress to a full master’s degree award:

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practice