Core and optional courses

1. Research and scientific writing (semester 1)

This course will cover the broad topic of scientific research and writing skills. It will commence with the principles of scientific enquiry and study design. Systematic literature searches will be covered as well as basic statistics. Examples of published research in the field of critical care will be explored, critically appraised for relevance, validity, bias and applicability. Students will have the opportunity to carry out structured literature searches and practise their scientific writing skills.

2. Common conditions and injuries precipitating multi-organ failure (semester 1)

The aim of this course is to explore common diseases and injuries which can lead to multi-organ failure. In addition it will cover recent evidence and state of the art management of these diseases and injuries in critical care. Clinical teaching will be introduced during this course using simulated clinical cases and ward rounds at the QEUH critical care floor. Opportunities will be given for students to practise oral presentations on a clinical topic.

3. Evidence-based Clinical Guideline writing, Clinical Audit and Quality (semester 1)

During this course, the students will learn how to grade the quality of evidence in the published literature related to critical care. They will learn about the process of producing evidence-based guidelines. The principles of clinical audit and quality improvement will be introduced. The students will be given the opportunity to write an evidence-based guideline that is applicable and valid in their own workplace.

4. Management of multi-organ failure (semester 2)

During this course the student will learn how to recognise and support the major failing organ systems. The systems covered will include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, neurological and haematological. Emphasis will be placed on the interactions and competing challenges when dealing with more than one simultaneously failing organ system. The published literature will be explored including controversies in management of multi-organ failure. During this course the students will be introduced to various organ support devices, and have hands on experience in clinical management, data interpretation and decision-making during simulated clinical scenarios and simulated ward rounds.

5. Sepsis (semester 2)

The aim of this course is to provide the student with a detailed insight into various aspects of sepsis. This will include the evolution in concepts and definitions, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management with particular reference to the surviving sepsis guidelines. There will be an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge and reflection of applicability within the students’ own working environment. Students will practise written and oral presentation skills as well.

6. Severity Scoring, Morbidity & Mortality review, Ethics and Legal considerations, Management Principles (semester 2)

This course will cover broad aspects of the practice of critical care. The concepts of severity scoring, predicted mortality, standardised mortality ratios and national bench-marking will be introduced. The course will also cover reflective practice and the use of morbidity and mortality reviews for learning and education. Ethical and legal aspects of critical care practice will be covered in addition to basic principles of management of a large critical care unit. There will an opportunity to reflect on the impact of these issues on the clinical practice of the student.