CPD modules: Pharmacology
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.
Management of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage
Major obstetric haemorrhage is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and the recognition of major obstetric haemorrhage can be challenging. This module discusses it causes, symptoms and importantly anaesthetic management of cases.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Medium
Spinal Anaesthesia
Spinal anaesthetic, also known as a spinal block, is administered by injecting local anaesthetic, into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) just below the end of the spinal cord. This has the effect of blocking the conduction of nerve impulses, including pain signals to the brain. Spinal anaesthesia can be used as the sole anaesthetic or in combination with sedation or general anaesthetic.
This module will discuss the relevant anatomy, techniques, and management of spinal anaesthesia.
Length of Study: 90 min
Difficulty: Medium
Total Intravenous Anaesthesia
Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a technique of general anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively by the intravenous route without the use of inhalation agents. This module explains how TIVA/TCI works, the popular models used and how they affect different patient groups.
Length of Study: 75 min.
Difficulty: Difficult
Muscle Relaxants: the fundamentals
The introduction of neuromuscular blocking drugs revolutionised the practice of anaesthesia. Before the advent of muscle relaxants, anaesthesia was induced and maintained by intravenous or inhalation agents.
This comprehensive module covers all aspects of neuromuscular muscle relaxants.
Length of Study: 90 min
Difficulty: Medium
Understanding Central Venous Lines
This module discusses various types of central lines and central venous catheters (CVC). They are often needed in critically ill patients or in those requiring prolonged intravenous therapies that cannot be given orally or through peripheral lines.
Length of Study: 120 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity
Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity is rare but when it does occur its onset may be sudden and life-threatening so it is prudent to spend time preventing rather than treating it. All theatre staff should be aware of the doses limits of local anaesthetics they use as well as the causes, signs and treatment of LAST.
Length of Study: 50 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare life-threatening condition that is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia. This module reviews malignant hyperthermia, its clinical features and presentations as well as its management during an MH crisis.
This module is largely based on the ‘Malignant hyperthermia 2020 Guidelines’ from the Association of Anaesthetists.
Paediatric Pain
Good quality, effective management of pain in paediatric patients is an essential component of paediatric anaesthesia. However, achieving this can be difficult for a variety of reasons not least of which is the enormous variations that occur physiologically and psychologically throughout the range of ages encountered in the paediatric population.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Medium
Proact Creative™ PC-3000 Vital Signs Monitor (sponsored)
The Creative PC-3000 Multi Parameter Monitor is an ideal way of tracking the condition of the patient due to the clear and visual display and multiple readings. This patient monitor has easy readings and a long-lasting battery, making it suitable for constant use in a hospital/medical environment.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that relieve or reduce pain. Their actions are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.
Perioperatively, using NSAIDs avoids many of the adverse effects of opioids such as respiratory depression, sedation, nausea and vomiting and gastrointestinal stasis. Although an effective analgesic they have significant adverse effects and contraindications which the perioperative practitioner must be aware of.
Peri-operative Management of Patients on Strong Opioids
It is very common to encounter patients on strong opioid medication. These patients present particularly challenging pain management difficulties in the peri-operative period due to behavioural, psychological and pharmacological consequences of opioid treatment. This module discusses the key concepts in the anaesthetic management of patients taking strong opioids and steps that can be taken to ensure optimum peri-operative care.
Length of Study: 80 min
Difficulty: Medium
Pre-eclampsia and Anaesthetics
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious even fatal complications for both mother and baby and the only cure is delivery.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy