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CPD modules: Easy

You are free to download, print and study the modules. Once you have completed your reading come back and take the multichoice test. If you obtain a pass mark of over 80% you will have the option of printing out a certificate of completion.

Emergency front of neck access in airway management

This module describes the guidance for emergency front of neck access, reviews techniques to improve decision making in the transition to eFONA and reviews the  ‘scapel, bougie,
tube’ technique when performing eFONA.

Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Understanding the circle system 

Although the circle system looks relatively simple, it is a deceptively complex arrangement that needs to be fully understood to use safely, especially at low flows.
This module explains the components, setup and both advantages and disadvantages of the circle system.

Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Diathermy:  the basics 

Electrosurgery or diathermy has allowed faster operating, reduced blood loss and new surgical techniques. It does have its dangers and its safe use in operating theatres requires a grasp of its mechanisms of action and potential pitfalls.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Morphine – Still the gold standard

Still popular and widely used. This brief module reviews the basics of morphine, its uses, side effects and doses.
Length of Study: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy

Proact Creative 900B Handheld Sidestream Capnography and Oximeter (sponsored)

 

Very compact and lightweight with extremely simple user interface.
Full colour 7.5cm TFT display monitors EtCO2,FiCO2,RR, SpO2 & PR.
Built in rechargeable Li-Ion batteries with up to 10 hours working time, USB connectivity for data transfer

Now allows input of patient ID for reporting.

Air Embolism & anaesthesia

There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with air embolism. It is therefore important to have an awareness of its risk factors, presentation, means of risk reduction and management of the consequences. These are all covered in this module.
Length of Study: 60 min. 
Difficulty: Easy

An Introduction to Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high temperature.  In normal doses it is considered safer than many analgesics as it has no effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and unlike Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) it does not cause gastric irritation or bleeding.
One caution, especially for the perioperative environment, is that as IV paracetamol has close to 100% bioavailability and IV doses must be adjusted in low weight individuals to prevent overdose.

Length of Study: 45 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Awareness under Anaesthesia

Awareness during anaesthesia can be very distressing for a patient, particularly if accompanied by recall of the painful nature of surgery. This article explores the types, incidence, consequences, causes, management and avoidance of intraoperative awareness.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome

Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a potentially fatal complication of orthopaedic surgery.
The ability to predict, recognise, and manage BCIS is important for everyone working in the perioperative environment.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Post dural puncture headache

Post dural puncture headache is unpleasant, it may interfere with a new mother’s
ability to care for her newborn and it may extend the length of hospital stay. This module covers both prevention and treatment options.
Length of Study:  60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Anaesthesia for ECT

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) is a treatment that involves sending an electric current through the brain to trigger an epileptic seizure to relieve the symptoms of some mental health problem. This module covers the anaesthetic aspects of it.
Length of Study: 45 min. 
Difficulty: Easy

Sugammadex: an overview

Sugammadex is an effective and safe agent for reversing neuromuscular blockade, in particular all depths of rocuronium-induced blockade. Sugammadex provides a real alternative to neostigmine and this module covers everything you need to know.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Nerve Impulse Conduction

It is essential that perioperative practitioners have an understanding of nerve conduction, as many drugs used in the operating theatre have an impact on the nervous system and nerve conduction. The most obvious, but not the only one, being local anaesthetics which prevent pain and other nerve signals reaching the brain, by temporarily blocking nerve conduction.
This module examines how nerve cells communicate by sending signals to each other and various other tissues throughout the body. It is a simplified explanation of a complex topic.

Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Beginner/student

  

Understanding & Establishing Intraosseous Access

Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative method to providing venous administration of drugs and fluids. Commonly used by the military and pre-hospital medics,it is gaining popularity in the hospital setting where intravenous access is challenging or time critical.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Easy

Necrotising Fasciitis

This module describes the diagnosis and common management of NF. Patients need integrated, interdisciplinary management involving surgeons, intensive care physicians and microbiologists. Close monitoring and physiological support in an intensive care unit is often essential.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy

Anaesthetic machine safety features

This module covers the safety features built into the modern anaesthetic machine. With more theatres moving to electronic self-checking machines this is a useful reminder of where we have come from and how safety is built into all aspects of the anaesthetic machine. It is also useful for anyone new to anaesthetics.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents

This module discusses aspiration which is a relatively rare, but potentially fatal complication of general anaesthesia occurring most commonly in emergency patients. Prevention is the key, and there are several mandatory requirements that must be fulfilled in the at-risk patient. However, in the event of aspiration occurring, treatment is essentially supportive once the airway has been secured.

Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Oxygen Saturations & Pulse Oximetery

The pulse oximeter provides an indication of oxygen status in the body. However, the link between a pulse oximeter reading and the events occurring in the body can be complex and difficult to evaluate. We all require an understanding of factors associated with oxygen uptake and delivery to be able to use pulse oximetry in a knowledgeable way.
Length of Study: 80 min
Difficulty: Easy

Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting

PONV can be common after surgery, although some patient groups are more prone to this than others. This module discusses this and what is the most effective and appropriate treatment for PONV.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy

Rapid Sequence Induction

Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is a method of achieving rapid control of the airway whilst minimising the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. This module covers RSI, its indications and contraindications.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy