During this course, the students will learn how to grade the quality of evidence in the published literature related to Critical Care or other related clinical fields. They will learn about the process of producing evidence-based guidelines. The priniciples of clinical audit and quality improvement will be introduced.

A variety of teaching methods will be scheduled during the week including lectures, tutorials, seminars and ward rounds.

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Summative assessment will be carried out using 2 methods:

1. Written assignment: an essay of approx. 2,500 words. The students will be asked to identify and critique the challenges of implementing and evaluating a guideline in relation to clinical practice. (80%).

2. Presentation on a topic related to quality improvement in the field (20%).

The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the critical application of state-of-the-art knowledge and understanding. This will be demonstrated by learning to write and introduce evidence based guidelines in Critical Care. Ongoing audit of practice and quality improvement will be covered. The practical applicability of guidelines, audit, and quality improvement will be demonstrated by attending a Critical Care ward round at QEUH.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically appraise current literature in Critical Care with reference to the hierarchy of evidence.

■ Synthesise and critically appraise the challenges of implementing guidelines in Critical Care practice or the clinical practice of other related fields.

■ Critically discuss how to implement change and improve quality of Critical Care or care in other relevant clinical fields.

■ Critically appraise the role of audit in quality improvement.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.