Critical Care Foundation Course (Jan/Mar): Pharmacists

Overview
This course has been designed for pharmacists starting out in critical care, usually with less than 6 months experience, or those in need of a refresher of the basics of critical care pharmacy practice.  It is ideally suited for pharmacists working in critical care or providing adhoc cover to critically ill patients during times of surge, weekend cover or sickness.

Module 1 takes place on Tuesday 21 January, 4.00pm – 6.00pm 
Module 2 takes place on Tuesday 04 February, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Module 3 takes place on Tuesday 18 February, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Module 4 takes place on Tuesday 04 March, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Some preparation including mandatory pre learning is required prior to attending each module in this course which will be detailed in the resource booklet emailed to delegates 10 - 14 days in advance of each module.  It is important that delegates take time to access these resources; some will contain information which may not be covered in detail during the course and the tutors will assume that you have read them.  Modules 2 - 4 pre learning includes viewing a number of videos prepared by the expert speakers and are intended to cover some of the fundamental learning required for foundation practice.

Delegates are expected to actively participate in the case studies and discussions. Access to a device with a microphone and camera are required for modules 2 - 4.

Module 1

• Introduction to the role of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician in supporting critical care environments, prioritising patient-care activities and dealing with immediate ethical and legal issues and the safe supply of medicines.
• Introduction to the adult critical care environment, including levels of care, monitoring and invasive devices.
• The critically ill adult patient cohort, supporting medicines reconciliation at transitions of care between the ward and ICU and vice versa; common medication administration issues, and communication issues in critical illness.
• Systematic body-systems approach to reviewing critically ill patients.
• Supportive bundles of care to ensure basic needs are met such as eye care, VAP prevention, bowel management, gastrointestinal protection.

Module 2

• Haemodynamics, rational use of IV fluids and managing fluid balance
• Cardiovascular support, including inotropes and vasopressors.

Module 3

• Infections in critically ill patients, including sepsis, septic shock and hospital-acquired infections
• Critical illness pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic considerations.
• Renal and hepatic impairment, including acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapies.

Module 4

• Neurological considerations including sedation, muscle relaxants, agitation, delirium, seizures and pain management.
• Respiratory failure and respiratory support

Certificate of completion
Participants will receive a certificate of completion detailing each module attended and assessment taken. To successfully pass each module, participants need to achieve a 60% pass mark in the online multiple choice assessments.

Booking information
Reservation will close at midnight on Monday 06 January 2025.

It is mandatory that delegates attend module 1, however, modules 2 - 4 are optional.

Additional support for delegates
Once delegates have completed module 1, you will be added to the UKCPA Critical Care Foundation Course private forum on the UKCPA Portal.  This is a private discussion and support area exclusively for practitioners who have attended the UKCPA critical care foundation courses.  You’ll be able to ask questions, post responses, continue discussions around the patient cases you’ve seen, and access resources for your ongoing development.

If you are not a member or guest account holder of the UKCPA but wish to attend this course, your guest account or membership application must be completed by 20 December 2024.  Please note that the administration and activation of membership or guest accounts can take up to 7 working days, longer during periods of office closure.