This module is for healthcare practitioners wishing to expand their existing paediatric critical care knowledge and skills and to enable them to care holistically for these children within a critical care environment. Particular emphasis is placed upon developing clinical competencies and understanding the pathophysiology of single and multi-organ failure and organ support or its withdrawal. It will enable practitioners to provide evidence-based care for critically ill children and their families.

This module will enable students to:

• Develop and enhance existing knowledge and skills when caring for critically ill children and their families in particular those on organ support for single and multi-organ failure or dysfunction.
• Provide students with a forum in which to discuss and address contemporary, novel and ethical issues related to children with organ failure, organ dysfunction or impairment and those requiring organ support and their families.
• Develop their knowledge and skills to enable them to care competently for critically ill children.
• Develop a broad understanding of the principles and practice of the technological environment and technological care offered to critically ill children and their families.

Students should have completed the 'Applied Pathophysiology in Children' and 'Acutely Ill Child' modules and be working in an area where critically ill and intensive care children are cared for.

Reflective essay and competency assessment document (CAD)

1. Critically demonstrate the knowledge and skills underpinning paediatric critical care practice.
2. Critically discuss the range of evidence and research underpinning the care of critically ill children and their families.
3. Critically examine the impact of technological support and its environment for critically ill children and their families
4. Critically examine the pathophysiology or organ failure or dysfunction and its support
5. Critically discuss the psychosocial needs of the critically ill child and his/her family and analyse appropriate strategies through which to meet these alongside other team members.
6. Critically examine novel/new therapies associated with current and future critical care practice.
7. Critically discuss the importance of legal and ethical issues whilst caring for children with serious injuries and critical conditions and their families.
8. Demonstrate the skills required to care competently for critically ill children and their families.

Course length: 10 Teaching Days