The programme has an integrated approach to the development of clinical skills, knowledge and competence by trainees, all of whom will be supervised by Consultant Intensivists whilst in the clinical area. This integrated approach, implemented in the curriculum through the delivery of a single 60 credit level 7 module over an academic year encompassing the core competences for advanced critical care practitioners.
The module is delivered over one academic year and comprises 400 taught theory hours and twenty-seven weeks of associated clinical practice. All theory hours are undertaken in the clinical setting, taught by a range of expert consultants and advanced practitioners .The theory consists of key lectures, seminars self-directed learning, workshops, e learning and is delivered over via the DLE and facilitated by clinicians. Practice learning takes place in the trainees place of work and is supported by clinical supervisors, mentors and educational supervisors.
For the practice experience trainees will be integrated into their seconding trusts clinical teams from week one of the programme and undertake supervised practice learning under direct supervision of consultant intensivist, in conjunction with experienced clinical mentors and educational supervisors.
As part of the range of practice assessments trainees will be expected to undertake a number of activities. These activities include presenting case histories to their clinical teams. Undertaking relevant clinical audits in their own area and presenting their findings to the clinical directorate medical, nursing and management teams and undertaking a number of triggered assessments to test a range of advanced and complex clinical skills. Trainees will be formatively assessed on the development of their individual skills and competence every month whilst on a practice placement.