Early recognition of the sick patient is to be encouraged, throughout our health care services to ensure the care received is appropriate to the illness. Front line staff booking in and monitoring busy waiting rooms need the knowledge on recognising the unwell or deteriorating patient to ensure urgent care is summoned if required.
This course is aimed at GP reception staff and HCAs, who work face to face booking patients in or HCAs doing the initial triage/observations. Receptionists and HCAS working in the urgent care setting or walk in centres may also find this beneficial as they also book patients in and monitor the waiting room.
Knowledge and theory on the recognition of the unwell patient using the ABCDE approach. (all ages covered)
Triage issues, under triage/over triage.
The role of the HCA and Receptionist in recognising the unwell patient.
The assessment process, including assessing the presenting problem.
Red flag presentations -
Overview including signs and symptoms of sepsis.
Mental health levels of urgency.
Assessing pain.
Overview of using the NEWS (national early warning score tool).
Overview of using the POP (paediatric observation priority score tool).
