Introduction 

The Critical Care Endorsement is open to the range of professionals involved in the care of individuals classed as requiring level one and two care. The aging population, the increasing complexity of medical and surgical procedures, coupled with shorter hospital stays have all resulted in heightened risk of patients becoming acutely ill.

The diverse nature of this speciality and the expansion of practitioner’s roles means that practice must be underpinned with sound specialist critical care skills and knowledge to ensure provision of safe and effective evidenced based care for this client group. Modules provided within the endorsement incorporate a wide range of information including physiological, pharmacological and psychosocial issues relevant to the individual with a critical illness.

There are three modules with specific critical care focus. These are Introduction to Critical Care in the Acute Environment; Applied Clinical Physiology for Acute Care and Critically Ill Adult Pathophysiology & Assessment.

The Introduction to Critical Care module is designed for students who have limited experience and knowledge of critical care. This module can then lead on to the applied clinical physiology module. This module is designed for students with more experience. Topics discussed include renal failure, sepsis, neurological and cardiovascular problems.

The compulsory module is specifically aimed at students who work in an acute setting who routinely nurse level 2 patients. It will look at issues such as acute cardiac failure, inotropic support, interpretation of arterial blood gases, non invasive ventilation It will also cover psychosocial issues such as withdrawal of treatment, relocation stress and breaking bad news.

Other modules can be used towards the endorsement and this should be discussed with the endorsement lead.

Content and Structure 

You can choose to study one module only and gain credits, but three modules from the list below must be attended and passed in order to gain an award with an endorsement in critical care. The compulsory module is ‘Critically Ill Adult: Pathophysiology and Assessment’.

The list of the modules within this critical care endorsement are:

• Introduction to Critical Care in the Acute Environment
• Applied Clinical Physiology for Acute Care
• Critically Ill Adult: Pathophysiology & Assessment (Compulsory)
• Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for Practice
• Inter/Intra Hospital Transfer of the Acute/Critically Ill Adult.
• Identification & management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Principles of Effective Pain Management

For further information on the modules and other information regarding the Interprofessional CPD Framework for Workers in Health and Social Care please request a brochure from the Faculty of Health and Social Care Information Office or visit the web site.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to be. Professionals involved in the care of level 1 and level 2 patients. The compulsory module is aimed at professionals who routinely care for level 2 patients.

• BSc (Hons) Interprofessional Health and Social Care (Critical Care)
  To enrol for the BSc (Hons) Interprofessional Health and Social Care (Critical Care) applicants must have a Diploma of Higher Education or 120 credits at level 2 or the equivalent.
• Graduate Certificate in Critical Care
  To enrol for the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care applicants must have a degree or 120 credits at level 3 or the equivalent.
• Advanced Diploma in Critical Care
  To enrol for the Advanced Diploma in Critical Care applicants must have a Diploma of Higher Education or 120 credits at level 2 or the equivalent.

Application Procedure

Critical Care is one of many awards available within the Interprofessional CPD Framework for Workers in Health and Social Care. Please see Health (Continuing Professional Development).

An application form is available from:

Faculty of Health and Social Care Information Office
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU

Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded here.