Management of Acute Deterioration (MAD) - 20 credits - Module

This module offers you, a registered healthcare practitioner with a minimum of 6 months experience caring for acutely ill patients, the opportunity to enhance your ability to make effective clinical decisions for adults, who experience an acute episode of health deterioration.

This module focuses upon increasing your confidence and ability to make clinical decisions that you can physiologically rationalise, are based upon current and robust evidence, and will have a positive impact on the health outcome of patients.

What's covered in the course?

This module is particularly relevant in the current healthcare climate. The Shape of Caring Review (2015 p 21) advised that “successful whole person care requires an appropriate balance between specialisation and generalism, and an increased flexibility within roles and career paths across organisational boundaries”. In particular it advocates that a more flexible, generic skill set will allow registered nurses to work confidently across a range of settings.

This ethos is mirrored in many publications related to other health care professionals. The Shape of Training (2013 p 5) for example advocates “Patients and the public need more doctors who are capable of providing general care in broad specialties across a range of different settings”. To reflect this, this module involves learning about how to manage deterioration in a wide range of body systems to ensure that your employability is enhanced, as the health service moves in this direction.

Why Choose Us?

• Clinically focused content that addresses the challenges of the increasingly older and more complex patient population
• An opportunity to develop your confidence and skills specifically in the recognition and management of acutely ill adults
• A strong focus on current issues in acute care, and the practical application of knowledge
• Each module has a bespoke Moodle virtual learning environment to support your continued learning off campus
• A big choice of optional modules allows you to build a bespoke learning experience, most appropriate to your career plans
• Ongoing support from university staff to facilitate your development as a learner

How to apply

Complete the online application form via the link above, including the name of the module you are enrolling onto. 

Course structure

The management of patients who experience an episode of acute health deterioration has become increasingly challenging in recent years. The number of patients with multiple co-morbidities, of advanced age and who experience health inequalities is rapidly rising at a time of increasing patient expectations. NCEPOD (2011 p 5) published a report which contained “cogent evidence that today’s patients are more challenging than those the NHS dealt with, even ten years ago”. Another focus of this course is therefore the management of acute deterioration in adults who are complex. Your learning will be supported by contemporary, relevant case studies that reflect this.

You will study common aspects of management of acute deterioration such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, non-invasive ventilation and methods of haemodynamic monitoring. The focus will be on the management of common causes of acute physiological deterioration such as sepsis, acute coronary syndrome, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fluid and electrolyte imbalance and acute kidney injury.

This module aligns with the Professional Practice Programme philosophy and is designed to be flexible and practice-led. A blended learning approach is taken, incorporating classroom sessions, skills workshops and online activities via Moodle.You will be encouraged to think critically and share practice experiences with your fellow students, as well as engaging in both directed and self-directed learning activities. You will be an active partner in your own learning and development. In return you will receive regular feedback and feed forward aimed at developing your academic skills. You will have the opportunity to discuss your progress with the module at frequent intervals throughout the course.  This module also aligns with the Recognition, Assessment and Physiological Interpretation of Deterioration (RAPID) module on the acute pathway. This module should therefore ideally be studied second, if you plan to undertake both. It can of course however be taken as a module but itself, to achieve 20 credits (at level 6 or 7).

Assessment

Written Assignment

The assignment will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the treatment interventions required by an adult experiencing an acute episode of health deterioration, utilising physiology and pathophysiology theory. You will show through your writing, critical appraisal of the evidence base that supports these interventions. Your written assignment will also demonstrate your ability to reflect upon your role in ensuring evidence based interventions are implemented as early as possible, for an adult who presents with acute deterioration. This can serve as a useful piece of evidence for professional revalidation processes.

In the assignment, you demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes of the module through discussion of an episode of patient care that you have encountered, in your own clinical area. In doing so it reflects the aim of the Professional Practice Programme to offer learning and teaching which is responsive to the challenges of practice, and which is focussed on knowledge which has a practical application.

You will receive regular forms support from the module team, with developing this work. There is also a wide range of support available from the Personal Development Department if you are nervous about writing academically.

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

• Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
• Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
• Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
• Learn where to find financial support for your studies.

The creation of our new suite of courses in Sport and Life Sciences is yet another exciting development at Birmingham City University. The 10,500sq metre building at City South Campus will enable us to offer a wide range of new health, nutrition, biomedical science and sports courses, as well as providing a new home for our education programmes.

Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to jiu jitsu.

The courses will reflect the latest developments in our teaching and our focus on practice-led learning with work placements and live industry case studies incorporated into the curriculum. All courses have been co-designed with employers and are endorsed or accredited by professional bodies where appropriate.

By expanding our provision to these new areas, we will be helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society today, such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, by encouraging and supporting healthy eating and greater physical activity.

In addition, we will be producing graduates who can support elite performers in meeting the UK’s ambitions for sporting success at events such as the Olympics and other world sporting tournaments. We are constantly looking to enhance the range of courses we offer - please check all our courses for the latest additions to our portfolio.

Simulation Mannequins

We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.

Simulation Mannequins

S.P.A.C.E.

SPACE is an innovative practice area all students can access to use equipment and resources to practise a wide range of skills in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. It provides students with a creative learning environment to get the best educational experience before becoming a health care professional.

S.P.A.C.E.

Learning Facilities

We offer up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across. These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

Learning Facilities

Virtual Tour

Explore our facilities in 360 panoramas, including welcome videos from key members of staff and Health and Wellbeing student profiles.

Virtual Tour

Doug Ellis Sports Centre

Our £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall, and workout and spinning studios. The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness training equipment and plenty of room for team sports including five-a-side football and cricket. An all-weather pitch adds the finishing touches to the centre.

Visitors to the gym can choose a personalised fitness programme, instructed by qualified fitness trainers, and take advantage of a selection of classes, such as yoga, salsa or body combat.

Doug Ellis Sports Centre website

Module Leader

• If you have any queries about this course please contact the Module Leader, Claire Perkins on:

  • Tel: 0121 331 6050
  • Email: Claire.Perkins@bcu.ac.uk

Professional Navigators

Our Professional Navigator, Nicola Clarke, is also on hand to offer guidance and will help you to choose which modules are best for you, taking into account your aims, professional or clinical experience, KSF requirements and your academic achievements.

Call Nicola on +44 (0)121 331 6162.