Curriculum Information

This module will involve content looking into advanced anaesthetic concepts and enable the student to work effectively within post-anaesthetic and high-dependency care. This module develops on learning previously undertaken at level 4 by introducing complex scenarios, invasive patient monitoring and the autonomous role of the post-anaesthetic care practitioner.
Theoretical Topics to include:
Advanced monitoring within practice including identifying limitations and contraindications. The Acute Life-threatening Events Recognition and Treatment (ALERT) course
Patient A-E assessment and management of emergencies and pre-existing conditions within anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care.
Management of the unconscious patient including neurological assessment.
Management post-operative nausea and vomiting, pain, stress and anxiety in the perioperative patient.
Managing and evaluating wounds in post-anaesthetic care.
Planning and maintenance of anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care for patients undergoing intermediate to major surgical interventions.
Caring for patients undergoing emergency surgery or requiring emergency anaesthetic intervention.
The role of autologous blood products in surgery
Management of Anaesthetic related emergencies
Development of Clinical Anaesthetic and Post Anaesthetic skills to include:
Assessment of the emergency surgical patient
Establishment and management of invasive monitoring for anaesthetic and post anaesthetic practice.
Maintaining effective working relationships with anaesthetic and surgical colleagues in the care of the anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic patient
Advanced and emergency airway techniques including fibreoptic intubation and endotracheal suction
Recognising and responding to adverse patient conditions and emergency scenarios within anaesthetic and post anaesthetic care.
Evaluating and tailoring care to patients in anaesthetic and post anaesthetic practice
Principles of establishing and maintaining anaesthesia for shared airway, obstetric and paediatric procedures.
Preparing medications for use in anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care.
Effective monitoring of patients undergoing medication within the anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care setting.
Safely perform:
• Independent management of their airway (including airway manoeuvres and insertion of airway devices)
• Performing bag-mask ventilation in support of the anaesthetic and/or post-anaesthetic patient
• Pharyngeal suctioning
• Assisting the anaesthetist in the management of endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy and difficult airways
• Peripheral venepuncture, venous cannulation and blood sampling
• Preparation and administration of fluids to include blood and blood products
• preparation and administration of prescribed drugs via a range of routes, including oral, rectal, topical and by intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injection
• Assisting the anaesthetist in establishing central venous and arterial access.
• Management of drains such as catheters and nasogastric tubes
• Management of autologous blood collection devices.
• Assessment and management of the patient with neuraxial blockade.
Effectively administer, monitor and respond to the effects of a range of medications and fluids used within anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic practice including oxygen and blood products.
Legal and Professional Topics to include:
Administration of medications using a range of techniques under local and national guidance
Best practice in recording anaesthetic and post anaesthetic information across a range of care plans and information systems.
Communicating with the multidisciplinary team effectively throughout the patient's journey using SBAR where appropriate.