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Updated: 28 Mar 2025

Clinical Observation Skills for Healthcare Professionals

£20
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Accreditations
Updated:
28 Mar 2025
20 People
Recommended
Duration
Minimum 30 mins
100% Online
Course
365 Days
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Instant Access and
Certification
Full
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Clinical observation is a critical aspect of healthcare, enabling professionals to assess patient conditions, identify early signs of deterioration, and implement timely interventions. The Clinical Observation Skills for Healthcare Professionals course is tailored to provide participants with a robust understanding of observation techniques and their application in diverse clinical settings.

The course encompasses monitoring vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, as well as conducting neurological assessments using tools like the AVPU scale. Participants will also explore the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) system, skin and pain assessments, and their significance in clinical decision-making and escalation protocols.

Aligned with UK clinical guidelines, this course underscores the importance of infection prevention, effective communication, and accurate documentation to ensure patient safety and care quality. It is designed for healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and healthcare assistants, aiming to strengthen their observational skills and enhance patient outcomes.

£20
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Accreditations

Learning Outcomes.

By the end of this course,
participants will be able:

To monitor and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, following UK clinical standards.

To apply neurological assessment tools such as the AVPU scale to evaluate consciousness and detect early signs of patient deterioration.

To perform thorough skin and pain assessments to identify potential complications, ensuring patient dignity and comfort.

To interpret clinical observations using the NEWS2 system, escalating care appropriately for timely interventions.

To demonstrate infection control best practices, including hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during assessments.

To document clinical observations accurately and effectively, adhering to legal and professional standards to support patient safety and continuity of care.

Course
Contents.

01
Module 1

Introduction to clinical observation and its role in patient care.

03
Module 3

Neurological assessments: Evaluating consciousness using the AVPU scale and related tools.

05
Module 5

The NEWS2 system: Application, interpretation, and escalation protocols.

08
Module 8

Documentation and reporting: Ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and clear communication.

06
Module 6

Recognising and responding to patient deterioration, including sepsis awareness.

09
Module 9

Specialised observations: Monitoring blood glucose, urine output, and peak flow.

02
Module 2

Monitoring and interpreting vital signs: Temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

04
Module 4

Comprehensive skin and pain assessments: Identifying early signs of pressure ulcers, infections, and other concerns.

07
Module 7

Infection prevention: Best practices for hand hygiene, PPE use, and maintaining sterile environments.

10
Module 10

Professional considerations: Patient consent, effective communication, and ethical documentation.

The Clinical Observation Skills for Healthcare Professionals course equips participants with essential skills to assess patients effectively, identify signs of deterioration, and escalate care appropriately. Aligned with UK guidelines, the course highlights the importance of accurate monitoring, infection prevention, and clear documentation to support patient safety and enhance outcomes. By mastering these foundational skills, healthcare professionals can deliver high-quality, patient-centred care in diverse clinical settings.

Summary