Clinical Observations and Recognizing a Deteriorating Patient

This course ensures that you are up to date in understanding the importance of significant clinical observations. It will enhance the care you are able to deliver by ensuring that your skills and knowledge are maintained and developed.

This clinical observation training enables clinical skills progression and will allow you to move on to other programmes of education if desired.

Who is it for?

This clinical observation training course is designed for staff working as Health Care Support Workers who have to record and interpret clinical observations.

Timetable

This course runs over one half day.

Benefits

This course is worth 3.5 CPD hours. As well as the opportunity for learning, you will be able to network with other Health Care Support Workers in attendance.

Course Content Includes:

• An overview of healthcare provision in hospitals and the current situation around HCSW-administered care
• An introduction to the National Early Warning System (NEWS) and how it is used to enhance patient care
• The importance of clinical observations, and of doing them in a timely and appropriate manner
• Using the "Why, When, How, What, Where" approach (based on the RCN's First Steps programme) the following clinical observations will be discussed:
  • respiratory rate
  • heart rate
  • blood pressure
  • oxygen saturation
  • temperature
  • level of consciousness (including GCS and AVPU)
  • capillary refill
  • oxygen therapy
  • peak flow
  • urinalysis
  • fluid balance
  • Body Mass Index

• The implications of abnormal observations, which may indicate a deteriorating patient, and the appropriate course of action
• An overview of common conditions (COPD, asthma and diabetes) and how they affect a patient's state of health
• An brief discussion about shock (hypovolaemic and anaphylactic), its causes, presentation and treatment
• The implications of how certain drugs can affect clinical observations
• Accountability, responsibility, documentation and the HCSW Code of Conduct.

Teaching

This course consists of lectures and group discussion.

Assessment

There is no formal assessment for the delegates on this day, but the day will be evaluated, and your comments will be received with thanks.

The day is worth 3.5 CPD hours and you will receive a certificate of attendance.

This course is provided by the School of Health & Psychological Sciences.

Credits

This course is worth 15 credits toward eligible programmes.

Applicants must be HCSWs, or working at a similar level, and be required to record and/or interpret clinical observations.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.