High Dependency and Critical Care of the Neonate, Infant or Child: 2 (Level 3) 

This course explores issues of a socio-political nature, biological science (neurological, gastro-intestinal and thermoregulation) and clinical practice to enhance decision-making in practice for this group of neonates, infants and children and their families within a high technological environment. A focus on anatomy and physiology will lead into the pathophysiology of these identified systems. A blended learning approach will cater for the specialities of neonates, children’s high dependency care and children’s intensive care. Management topics will include neonatal surgical issues, trauma care of children, nutrition, advocacy, consent, family issues, palliative care and bereavement.

• Identify health service provisions, and apply theoretical concepts to enable the assessment of critical care needs and the appropriate planning of care for the critically ill infant/child and family
• Evaluate the impact of care given to the critically ill infant/child and family in order to plan future management within the acute setting and for discharge into the community
• In light of local and national standards, to critically analyse the underpinning evidence-base identifying excellent practice and inequalities in management to ensure high standards of care can be offered to the neonate, infant, child and their family
• Demonstrate a logical approach to decision making skills to undertake a holistic assessment and manage care of the neonate, infant, child and their family
• Reflect and evaluate the role of the nurse and multidisciplinary team to maintain and enhance high quality care of the critically ill neonate, infant, child and family
• Debate the impact of ethical/legal issues on current practice to enable the challenges of everyday issues in healthcare and society to be addressed in a logical format on behalf of the critically ill neonate, infant, child and family

Blended learning. Lecture engagement, guided online study, tutorials and independent learning.

Total student activity: 200 hours