This course will cover broad aspects of the practice of Critical Care. The concept of severity scoring, predicted mortality, standardised mortality ratios and National bench-marking will be introduced. The course will also cover reflective practice and the use of Morbidity and Mortality reviews for learning and education. Ethical and legal aspects of Critical Care practice will be covered in addition to basic principles of management of a large Critical Care unit.

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: This will be in the form of a 2500-3000 word essay on a strategy the student would develop to respond to a report of a high Standardised Mortality Ratio in an ICU (80%).ILO1, ILO2, ILO3

2. Podcast: Students will be assessed on their ability to produce a 5-min podcast discussing an ethical issue related to Critical Care (20%). ILO3

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the broader non-clinical aspects of Critical Care. The students will gain insights into how a Critical Care unit is managed, and the quality of care delivered using broad outcome measures that are benchmarked against other Critical Care units Nationally. Students will also be introduced the concept of reflective practice using structured Morbidity and Mortality reviews and how this process can be used for learning and improving standards. Some ethical aspects of Critical Care will be introduced, as well as basics of Managing a Critical Care unit in a large teaching Hospital.

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

1. Demonstrate extensive critical knowledge and understanding of ICU performance in comparison to national and international standards.

2. Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues in relation to critical care practice.

3. Critically discuss complex ethical and professional issues and eloquently express informed judgements on clinical and/or unit performance dilemmas.

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