Specialist Training

Deteriorating Patient - Recognising and Responding to Acutely Unwell Individuals in Social Care

The Deteriorating Patient course trains UK Socialcare professionals to recognise and respond promptly to signs of acute patient deterioration, improving outcomes and ensuring patient safety.

The ability to recognise and respond promptly to the signs of deterioration in individuals receiving care is a critical skill for social care professionals. Early identification and timely escalation can significantly improve outcomes and ensure that appropriate interventions are initiated to safeguard health and wellbeing.

This course has been designed to equip social care staff with the essential knowledge and practical confidence required to identify early indicators of acute illness or clinical decline. It supports professionals in recognising both subtle and overt changes in an individual’s condition, responding effectively, and working collaboratively with healthcare colleagues as part of a multidisciplinary approach.

This course emphasises the importance of observational skills, timely communication, and integrated working across social care and health sectors to ensure individuals receive the right care at the right time.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • 01

    Understand the key indicators of patient deterioration and the physiological basis behind them.

  • 02

    Develop skills in the use of assessment tools and techniques to identify signs of deterioration.

  • 03

    Learn to initiate appropriate and timely interventions for acutely unwell patients.

  • 04

    Communicate effectively with the healthcare team to ensure a coordinated response to deterioration.

  • 05

    Apply the latest UK healthcare guidelines and protocols in the management of deteriorating patients.

Course Contents

  • Introduction to Patient Deterioration
  • Recognising the Deteriorating Patient
  • Comprehensive Assessment Skills
  • Clinical Judgement and Decision Making
  • Sepsis Recognition and Management
  • Immediate Management of the Deteriorating Patient
  • Communication and Teamwork
  • Managing Deterioration in Care Home Residents
  • Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues
  • Recognising and Responding to Maternal Deterioration
  • Human Factors & Deterioration
  • Recognising Delirium as a Sign of Deterioration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You will learn to recognize early signs of patient deterioration, assess acutely unwell individuals accurately, and respond effectively according to UK healthcare standards.

This course is designed in compliance with the latest UK healthcare guidelines and protocols, ensuring you are trained in current best practices.

The course is delivered online through an interactive Learning Management System, featuring video lectures, presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions. Participants will have access to expert guidance and support throughout their learning journey.

Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals who may encounter acutely unwell patients will benefit from this course. It contributes to professional development by enhancing your clinical assessment and intervention skills, crucial for patient safety and quality of care in urgent and acute situations.

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Accreditations