About the course

Advanced critical care practitioners (ACCP) are now a recognised and embedded role within the critical care workforce. The development of this role is a response to the modern NHS and the changing complexities of patients who are admitted to critical care along with the ongoing demands of recruitment and retention in the medical workforce.

The aim of this module is to enable the trainee ACCP to achieve the Higher Education Institute (HEI) competencies identified in the Faculty of Intensive Care (FICM) (2015) ‘Curriculum for Training For Advanced Critical Care Practitioners: syllabus. The course will develop theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional judgment, complementing work based assessments, clinical practice and experience to fulfil the competencies expected of a qualified ACCP in line with the Domains of Good Medical Practice.

The module responds to FICM’s recommendations that the “theoretical component of the competencies be taught and assessed by a HEI.” The module is generic with  specialist elements to allow for transferability to individual units. High standard  in depth theoretical knowledge is taught and facilitated to achieve not only mastery academic assessments but also necessary clinical competencies (overseen by the Local Clinical Lead) to ultimately make high-level clinical decisions as an ACCP.

The module will focus on full systems anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, investigations, interpretation of investigations, management and treatment of common conditions. This will be achieved through face to face teaching, enquiry based learning, simulation and guided learning alongside an expectation of self directed study for each individual to achieve the necessary assessments.

The module itself is a postgraduate certificate at level 7. However, it is aligned with the MSc Advancing Clinical Practice which will enable the trainee to start their ACCP journey undertaking physical assessment and non-medical prescribing prior to undertaking the ACCP module. This would be undertaken alongside other core modules to achieve a post graduate diploma or furthermore a full postgraduate MSc degree.

Course structure

This course builds on other modules that will have already been successfully completed (physical assessment and non-medical prescribing).

The course focuses on:

• Core anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology history taking and examination
• Core radiology
• Principles of microbiology
• Principles of laboratory medicine
• Clinical reasoning
• Principles of pharmacology and prescribing technology in critical care
• Discharge planning and rehabilitation
• End of life care
• Organ/tissue donation
• Patient safety, risk management and clinical governance
• Clinical leadership and management within the context of the multidisciplinary team learning and teaching
• Communication
• Surgical procedures - related to post-operative management and recognition of complications
• Ethical and legal issues
• Evidence Based Practice

How the course is taught

The principal learning and teaching methods used in the programme may include:

The course is delivered through a variety of blended learning approaches, including face to face and flexible digital education which may include:

• Online learning resources
• Collaborative analysis
• Seminar or lecture content as online broadcasts
• Content capture
• Co-production through enquiry based learning
• Formative assessments
• Co-production of learning/peer sharing

How you'll be assessed

By the end of the module, there is a robust assessment process which may consist of:

• Online theoretical examination
• VIVA
• OSCE
• Clinical case presentation focussed on evidence based practice
• Portfolio of achievements of FICM syllabus.

Once successfully achieved, alongside clinical competencies, the final Annual Review of Competency (ARCP) will take place. Following successful completion of this the trainee ACCP can apply for FICM membership.

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

• Must be currently appointed as a trainee Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, with a service agreement for undertaking the programme.
• Normally, have completed a recognised independent and supplementary prescribing programme and a health assessment module (can be Level 6/7).

Funding

You will be charged on a modular basis (1 year) and prices can be found here.

Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines, we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate course. 

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.

Our expertise

This course is led by: Nicky Witton.

The course is hosted by the Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery, which is one of the top ranked universities in the UK. Students have access to university libraries’ (online facilities for distance learning) facilities and enjoy the support of the wider university. Teaching Faculty include specialist clinical educators along with educationally qualified clinicians working in both Primary and Secondary care who ensure the course is relevant to the clinical environment.

Facilities

The School of Nursing and Midwifery utilises modern teaching facilities, including skills labs and the anatomy suite where appropriate, to enhance and support the student learning experience. All facilities are equipped with computers, internet access and projection equipment. Rooms are designed to be flexible and can be used for larger groups, also more informally for small groups working together.

The learning resources available to students on the programme include: 

An extensive collection of materials relevant to postgraduate study held in both the main University Library on Keele campus, and in the Health Library on the campus of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. A number of relevant journals are also accessible online to all registered students, and are accessible from anywhere in the world with a University username and password

 The Keele Learning Environment (KLE) provides easy access to a wide range of learning resources including lecture notes and presentations, discussion boards and blogs enabling students and tutors to discuss topics, all information about the programme and all modules, and other materials designed specifically for particular modules.

Computers for student use are situated in both the Main Library, also in the Health Library

Careers

Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:

• Apply advanced knowledge in the anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology of critical illness.
• Critically appraise clinical governance, policies and procedures of independent practice in relation to the Advanced Critical Care Practitioner.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in critical care and provide a direct contribution to the assessment, treatment and planning of care, and evaluation of patients with critical illness.
• Function as part of the critical care team and work within a defined scope of practice and to clinical standards agreed nationally and applied within the local clinical setting
• Prescribe elements of care and treatment that will be delivered by other member of the healthcare team; refer for diagnostic tests and specialist opinion as required.
• Critically appraise and audit current practice in line with current evidence base; demonstrate participation within the peer-review and appraisal processes.
• Demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and authority to make clinical decisions, supervised by a medical consultant in critical care medicine.
• Participate in the training and supervision of others.