Acute Illness in Older People E-Learning Course

This specially-commissioned course provides essential skills for social care nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage a range of common illnesses in older people. It is evidence-based, engaging and interactive; modules can be completed at any time.

‘The course is excellent and we believe that all Social Care nurses will benefit significantly from the learning it provides’. Jane Hall, Senior Workforce Transformation on Project Manager, BLMK ICB

10 Hours CPD

This course will equip Social Care Nurses with the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and manage a range of common acute illnesses in older people. It is evidence-based, up to date, and interactive; modules can be completed in your own time.

For further informaiton - National Minor Illness Centre (please do not book via lthis link, ookign details below)

1.⁠ ⁠Introduction: how to use this course, resources, infectiousness 

1a. Examination techniques

2.⁠ ⁠Assessment: history, examination, making a diagnosis, interpreting tests

3.⁠ ⁠Self-care advice: fluids, rest, fever management, sick day rules, safety-netting 

4.⁠ ⁠Analgesics: how to choose and use them wisely 

5.⁠ ⁠Micro-organisms and antimicrobials

5a. Microbiology of acute illness

5b. Antibiotics used in acute illness

6.⁠ ⁠Immunosuppression and sepsis: identifying the vulnerable and the sick person 

7.⁠ ⁠Throat, mouth and ear problems: sore throat, mouth ulcers, oral candida, earwax, otitis media and externa, Eustachian tube dysfunction, deafness 

8.⁠ ⁠Respiratory infections: colds, flu, COVID-19, acute bronchitis, pneumonia 

9.⁠ ⁠Headache and dizziness: vertigo, fainting and blackouts 

10. Abdominal problems: constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting, indigestion, diverticular disease

11. Urinary tract infections: cystitis, pyelonephritis, catheter issues

11a. Back pain: red flags and management

12. Skin infections: cellulitis, wound infection, fungal infection, shingles, scabies

13. Comorbidities and polypharmacy: special challenges of older people

Optional bonus modules:

A. Eye problems: conjunctivitis, dry eyes, corneal ulcer

B. Skin problem assessment

C. Eczema and dermatitis, skin cancer, non-blanching rashes

Booking information:

How to apply for funding and apply for this course

Please complete the MS Form available at the following link: Funding Request MS Form

The Training Hub will review and respond to your funding request. If funding is approved, it will be your responsibility to book your place on the course you wish to attend, we will provide the instructions to do this. Applications will be reviewed in order of the course date (soonest courses first) and date received. If you have any questions, please contact us at hwetraininghub@nhs.net.

Please note, you will need to send us your booking confirmation within 1 week of your funding being approved as places are limited. Failure to do this will result in your funding being withdrawn and you will need to reapply.

Course cost

The approximate course per delegate is: £130

If your funding request is approved the Training Hub will cover the full cost of this course.