Final FRCA Syllabus
Final FRCA Syllabus
Final FRCA Syllabus
Recalls/describes the relevance of the anatomy of the skull, skull base, vertebral column and central nervous system to neuroanaesthetic practice [Cross ref applied sciences] Recalls/explains the relevance of applied physiology and pathophysiology related to the central nervous system to neuroanaesthetic practice [Cross ref applied sciences] Describes techniques for decreasing the intra-cranial pressure Explains the indications for using neurophysiological monitoring [including EEG, evoked potentials and ICP measurement] to benefit patients requiring neurosurgery/neuro-critical care Recalls how drugs can impact on neurophysiological monitoring Recalls/explains the pharmacology of drugs which act on the central nervous system [Cross ref applied basic sciences] Explains the complications of positioning for neurosurgical procedures: prone, sitting, lateral, park bench Demonstrates understanding of the perioperative anaesthetic management of patients for neurosurgery and neuroradiology. This includes: Preoperative assessment and optimization of patients with neurological disease Induction and maintenance and reversal of anaesthesia Early postoperative care including the specific areas of fluid management and the control of pain Demonstrates understanding of anaesthesia for neurosurgical procedures including but not exclusively: Shunt surgery Evacuation of intracranial haematoma Planned supratentorial and posterior fossa surgery [including vascular disease and tumours] Emergency surgery for traumatic brain injury Spinal column surgery Discusses the principles of anaesthesia for neuroradiology including but not exclusively: Emergency and elective imaging of the central nervous system [including the principles of stereotactic surgery] interventional procedures [including coiling of intracranial aneurysms] [Cross reference anaesthesia in the non-theatre environment] Explains the anaesthetic implications of pituitary disease including endocrine effects and trans-sphenoidal surgery Describes anaesthesia for trigeminal neuralgia including thermocoagulation Explains the anaesthetic implications of spinal cord trauma Describes how to recognize an unstable cervical spine and explains how it should be managed Discusses the indications for postoperative ventilation Explains the techniques used for recognition and management of air embolism Describes the special risk associated with prion diseases during neurosurgery
Demonstrates understanding of the principles of anaesthesia for patients with neurological disease [including but not exclusively]: Guillain-Barre Myasthenia gravis Myasthenic syndrome Dystrophia myotonica Muscular dystrophy Paraplegia and long term spinal cord damage Discusses the specific risks of venous thromboembolic disease in neurosurgical patients and how these are managed Demonstrates understanding of the neurocritical care management of traumatic brain injury [including but not exclusively]: indications for ventilation recognition and management of raised ICP cerebral protection strategies fluid and electrolyte balance in the head injured patient systemic effects of traumatic brain injury The principles of management of acute spinal cord injury Describes the control of status epilepticus Describes the requirements for safe transfer of patients with brain injury Explains the issues related to the management of organ donation in neuro-critical care [Cross reference intensive care]
Cardiothoracic
Describes the principles of the perioperative anaesthetic management of patients for cardiac surgery Understands and explains the principles of cardiopulmonary bypass including the use of cardioplegia Learns from the perioperative management of patients with cardiac disease knowledge applicable to those requiring non cardiac surgery Understands the pathophysiological changes and organ dysfunction associated with cardiac disease, and their implications in the perioperative period Correctly assesses the risk of operation in a patient who has cardiac or respiratory disease, using common scoring systems Explains the results of the special investigations used during the assessment of patients with cardiac disease including, Xrays, coronary angiography, ECHO, and Scanning techniques including CT, MRI and PET Understands and explains the principles of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cardiac disease
Recalls/describes the anaesthetic and surgical problems associated with off pump cardiac surgery Describes the problems associated with post-cardiac surgery including bleeding and the clinical signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade, and its management Evaluates the indications for invasive and non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring, and is able to interpret the common findings Describes the methods used to cool and re-warm patients during cardiac surgery, and the complications Explains the need for, and methods of, altering blood coagulability during cardiac surgery Recalls/describes the indications for cardiac pacing and lists the different modes available Describes the principles of action, and the use of, Intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation and other assist devices Recalls/explains the abnormalities found in the adult patient with congenital heart disease [including corrected or partially corrected], and the implications for anaesthesia in these patients Recalls/explains the indications for the use of inotropes and vasodilators during cardiac surgery THORACIC Explains the significance of preoperative functional investigations of respiratory and cardio-respiratory performance Describes specific risks associated with induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in patients requiring thoracic surgery and precautions to be taken to minimise these risks Describes commonly performed thoracic surgical procedures and the relevant anaesthetic problems Describes commonly used methods of local and general anaesthesia for bronchoscopy including techniques of ventilation Describes the airway management of a patient undergoing one-lung ventilation and anaesthesia including placement of double lumen endobronchial tubes and bronchial blockers [Ref; EN_IK_11] Recalls/explains the changes that occur during one lung ventilation and the strategies to manage these changes Recalls the causes, symptoms and signs of a pneumothorax and explains the principles of its management Describes the common problems associated with the postoperative care of patient who have had thoracic surgery and the methods that can be used to minimise these
Airway
Lists the risks associated with awake fibreoptic endotracheal intubation and describe the process of obtaining consent for this procedure Discusses the identification and assessment of pathology in or around the airway, including History and examination Anaesthetic chart review Interpretation of investigations such as lateral C-spine X-ray, cross sectional imaging of the upper airway (MRI/CT), flow volume loops Discussion with surgeons Outlines the anaesthetic management of potential threats to the airway, including external compression Foreign body, blood clots, masses Inhalational injury, inflammation Blunt and penetrating trauma [Cross Ref; ENT] Lists the indications for tracheostomy [Cross Ref; ENT] Outlines the anaesthetic principles for tracheostomy [Cross Ref ENT] Describes the management of the obstructed/misplaced tracheostomy Describes the specialised airway techniques used for laser surgery in, or near, the airway [Cross Ref; ENT] Describes the causes, pathophysiology and management of obstructive sleep apnoea and the surgical procedures used to treat it [Cross Ref; ENT] Outline appropriate follow up of an unexpected difficult intubation Discuss the risks and benefits of using various supraglottic airways for IPPV Describes the airway management of a patient undergoing one-lung ventilation and anaesthesia, including placement of double lumen endobronchial tubes and bronchial blockers [Cross Ref; cardiothorcics] Describes the safe use of equipment and airways devices used for surgery on and below the vocal chords, including bronchoscopes, Venturi devices and fibre-optic scopes [Cross Ref; ENT] Describes the principles of jet ventilation [Cross Ref; ENT] Recalls the principles underlying the use of helium [Cross Ref; ENT]
ENT
Explains the special requirements of anaesthesia for all common procedures encountered in specialised head and neck surgery Recalls/explains the principles of anaesthesia for middle ear surgery, including use of TIVA and hypotensive techniques Explains the principles of management of anaesthesia for major head and neck surgery and: Recalls/describes the pathophysiological changes and co-morbidities associated with head and neck cancer Identifies the particular requirements for acute maxillo-facial emergencies e.g. fractured mandible, intra-oral abscesses and other pathological causes of upper airway obstruction Recalls/describes the causes, pathophysiology and management of obstructive sleep apnoea and the surgical procedures used to treat it [Ref; AM_IK_08] Recalls/describes the characteristics of the lasers used for surgery and the circumstances in which they are used Recalls the hazards of laser surgery Recalls/describes the specialised airway techniques used for laser surgery in, or near, the airway Describes the safe use of equipment and airways devices used for surgery on and below the vocal chords, including bronchoscopes, Venturi devices and fibre-optic scopes Explains the use of specialised imaging techniques [CT, MRI] in planning anaesthesia and surgery for head and neck surgery Lists the problems associated with chair dental procedures including consent, the specific needs of patients with learning disabilities, Child Protection [Cross reference paediatrics] and the Mental Capacity Act Explains the principles of the recognition and appropriate management of acute ENT emergencies, including bleeding tonsils, epiglottis, croup, and inhaled foreign body Describes appropriate emergency management of fractures of the face including le Fort fractures and fractures of the mandible Describes the emergency management of the obstructed airway including tracheostomy Recalls the indications for tracheostomy Describes the principles of the care of the tracheostomy Recalls/explains the principles of jet ventilation Recalls/explains the principles underlying the use of helium
Critical incidents
Discusses the importance of significant event analysis or root cause analysis to examine a locally reported incident Discusses the importance of regular practice of response protocols using simulation and their place in the development of team working and communication between professional groups
Day surgery
Describes the key organisational issues surrounding day surgery including suitability of facilities and staffing Provides a clear explanation of current local and national guidelines for provision of day surgical services Demonstrates knowledge of audit and other quality assurance activities relevant to day surgery Demonstrates knowledge of advances and controversies in anaesthesia for day surgery
General/Uro/Gynae
Recalls/describes the principles off the peri-operative management of the commoner complex cases including, but not exclusively: Pancreatic and liver resection Oesophagectomy [including one lung ventilation] Resection of neuroendocrine tumours [e.g. carcinoid and phaeochromocytoma] Splenectomy Resection of retroperitoneal masses [including management of pleural breach] Explains the effects of chemotherapy/radiotherapy, and the implications for anaesthesia Recalls/describes the anaesthetic considerations of co-existing diseases including problems such as spinal injury Recalls/ describes the ethical considerations of cadaveric and live-related organ donation for the donor [and relatives], recipient and society as a whole Describes the issues of anaesthesia for renal transplant surgery Explains the anaesthetic management of patients with transplanted organs for non-transplant surgery Recalls/explains the anaesthetic complications related to disturbance of fluid balance, oedema, and dehydration Recalls/describes the anaesthetic implications of bariatric surgery
Recalls/describes the principles of enhanced recovery programmes Recalls / describes the rationale and principles of perioperative haemodynamic management and optimisation Recalls / describes the principles of preoperative evaluation of patients at risk of post-operative morbidity, including risk stratification tools, for example scoring systems and measures of functional capacity [including cardiopulmonary exercise testing] Discusses the importance of the timing of non-elective surgery and the effect that this may have on the delivery of emergency surgery
Resus
Recalls/describes the interpretation of arrhythmias seen in the peri-arrest period, including but not limited to: Narrow complex tachycardias Broad complex tachycardias Atrial fibrillation Paroxysmal SVT Bradycardia 1st 2nd and 3rd degree heart block Recalls/describes the pharmacology of drugs used to treat common arrhythmias, dosage and frequency, including but not limited to: Adenosine Digoxin Magnesium Beta-blockers Amiodarone Atropine Recalls the indications for performing cardioversion and the energies used Recalls/outlines the indication for, and principles of, pacing including percussion, external and transvenous Recalls the indications for use of thrombolysis Recalls/discusses the indications and principles of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest Outlines indications and principles of: Open chest cardiac compressions Resuscitative thoracotomy [Cross ref cardiothoracic] Describes the principles of managing cardiac arrest in the prone position Recalls/explains the difference in aetiology of cardiac arrest between adults and children Describes how to recognize the sick/deteriorating ill child and what treatment should be initiated to reverse such deterioration and prevent,
where possible, respiratory or cardiac arrest Recalls the specific conditions likely to deteriorate to respiratory or cardiac arrest in children [e.g. meningococcal sepsis] and describes their initial management Recalls/details the indications for, and use of, cuffed and uncuffed tubes in the critically ill child requiring tracheal intubation Describes how to: Recognise supra-glottic airway obstruction and understands the indications/contra-indications of supra-glottic airway devices to bypass such obstruction Manage complications of tracheostomy in children [e.g. obstruction and displacement] Outline the principles of safe inter-hospital transfer of the resuscitated patient
Non-theatre
Describes, and critically evaluates, the different techniques of anaesthesia/sedation for adults and children for procedures that may take place outside the operating theatre, but within a hospital setting, either diagnostic or therapeutic for both elective and emergency procedures, including but not exclusively in the following settings: X-Ray, CT scan, Angiography, MRI scan, Radiotherapy, [ECT] Explains the indications/contraindications of sedation for patients in the non-theatre environment [Cross Ref sedation] Explains the problems of providing safe post- anaesthetic care for patients in the out of theatre environment Recalls/discusses the unique safety precautions required in each of the environments, particularly MRI Describes the specific physical and physiological effects of ECT Explains the rationale behind the choice of anaesthetic technique for ECT Discusses the physical and psychological needs of patients who present for ECT Discusses the place of the Mental Capacity Act in relation to the provision of ECT Describes common interventional procedures and their pathophysiological consequences Describes the anaesthetic management of patients for endovascular procedures [Cross Ref vascular] Describes the anaesthetic management of patients for neurological procedures [Cross Ref neuro]
Ortho
Explains the difference in anaesthetic and surgical complexity between primary and secondary lower limb arthroplasty
Recalls/describes the principles of perioperative anaesthetic care for elective and emergency spinal surgery including but not exclusively: Scoliosis surgery including the need for, and implications of, neurophysiological monitoring Spinal trauma and the associated complications of spinal cord trauma Recalls/describes the principles of perioperative anaesthetic care for pelvic bone and joint surgery Recalls/discusses blood conservation strategies that are used in orthopaedic surgery
Regional
Demonstrates understanding of basic sciences as applied to all regional anaesthetic blocks [Cross reference applied basic sciences] Recalls/discusses advantages and disadvantages, techniques and complications [including management] of a wide variety of blocks including, but not exclusively, major peripheral blocks of the limbs, some cranial nerve blocks and blocks used to treat chronic pain conditions [Cross ref pain medicine] Demonstrates understanding in the choice of local anaesthetic agents, opioids, use of additives and techniques of administration Outlines the principles of continuous catheter techniques for peripheral nerve blockade and for postoperative analgesia Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the principles of ultra sound guided nerve blocks including: The principles of scanning including machine ergonomics, probe selection/handling and the use of acoustic couplant [ultrasound gel] to improve skin contact The importance of the angle of insonation on visibility of structures [anisotropy] specifically related to nerves and tendons The normal sonoanatomy of peripheral nerves and surrounding structures The basic concepts of needling techniques relating to ultrasound guidance (in plane / out of plane) Understanding and recognition of spread of local anaesthetic under ultrasound guidance, distinction between normal intraneural and intravascular injection
Sedation
Explains what is meant by deep sedation and when its use may be justifiable, identifies the associated risks and how these may be minimised to ensure patient safety is not compromised [Cross Ref sedation] Discusses how multiple drug use may enhance sedation techniques, whilst detailing how this increases risks Explains why it is essential to titrate multiple drugs [sedatives, analgesics and anaesthetic agents] to effect whilst recognising that the possibility of differing times of onset, peak effect and duration, can result in unpredictable responses Discusses the place of infusions compared to bolus doses as well as target-controlled infusions [TCI], and the pharmacological models and pump
technology relevant to their use Discusses options for alternative route of delivery of drugs used for conscious sedation including intra-nasal and rectal Discusses the unpredictable nature of sedation techniques in the extremes of life and strategies for safe delivery [cross ref paeds] Discusses the use of sedation in the high risk patient and the advantages/disadvantages of using general anaesthesia as opposed to sedation to cover necessary investigations/procedures in such patients
Transfer
Explains the risks/benefits of Interhospital patient transfer Explains the concept of primary/secondary/tertiary transfer Outlines the hazards associated with Interhospital transfer, including but not limited to physical, psychological and organisational Describes the increased risks to critically ill patients of transfer and the reasons for these risks Outlines strategies to minimise risk during Interhospital transfer, including but not limited to: o Stabilisation o Pre-emptive intervention o Sedation o Monitoring o Packaging o Choice of mode of transfer Explains how critical illness affects the risk of transfer Explains how time-critical elements may influence risks to the patient and transfer personnel and how these should be managed to reduce them Understands the increased risk of interventions during Interhospital transfer Outlines the specific considerations for transfer of patients with specific clinical conditions, including but not limited to: o head, spinal, thoracic and pelvic injuries o critically ill medical patients o burns o children o pregnant women Lists and explains the critical care equipment used during transfer including but not exclusively: Ventilators
Lists the different modes of ventilation and explains the selection of appropriate parameters in e.g. Asthma/COPD and ARDS Outlines the different modes of transport available for inter-hospital transfer, including risks/benefits Understand the safety implications of electrical and hydraulic equipment that may be used during patient transfer Recalls/describes the physiological effects of transport including the effects of acceleration and deceleration, including Newtons laws of motion Understands the effects of high ambient noise on patients and alarm status Recalls/discusses the reasons for patients becoming unstable during transfer and strategies for management Recalls/describes how to manage patients who develop sudden airway difficulties whilst in transit [both in the intubated and un-intubated patient] Outlines the ethical issues related to patient transfer, including the need to brief patients and their relatives Awareness of the laws relating to deaths in transit Outlines how to find and use the national register of critical care beds Outlines the regional protocols for organising transfers between units Outlines the importance of maintaining communications between the transfer team and the base/receiving units Outlines the roles and responsibilities of all staff accompanying the patient during transfer including the ambulance technicians and paramedics Describes the personal equipment needed when leading a transfer, especially when a prolonged journey is anticipated Discusses the importance of auditing practice and reporting critical incidents that arise during Interhospital transfer and the need for appropriate research
Trauma
Recalls/describes the complex pathophysiological changes that occur in all patients [including children] with multiple injuries Describes the perioperative anaesthetic management of patients with multiple injuries including head, facial, neck/spinal, thoracic, abdominal, pelvic and peripheral trauma Explains the reasons for, and benefits of, the hospital triage of trauma patients and the scoring systems used Describes strategies for minimising secondary brain injury in patients with multiple injures Describes the initial assessment, management and resuscitation of patients with: Severe burns Electrical injuries
Drowning and near drowning Hypothermia Recalls/explains the management of massive blood loss including the use of rapid infusion devices Explains the implications, prevention and management of coagulopathy, hypothermia and acidosis in multiply injured patients Describes the management of children with multiple injuries, comparing and contrasting with that of adults [cross reference paediatric anaesthesia] Describes the specific ethical and ethnic issues associated with managing the multiply injured patient, including issues that relate to brain stem death and organ donation Discusses the indications and contraindications of regional anaesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks in multiply injured patients for the provision of analgesia, both initially and perioperatively Discusses the principles of clinical management for stabilisation of patients with multiple injuries requiring inter-hospital transfer strategies used, how safe transfer is undertaken, monitoring requirements and the options for modes of transfer [cross ref Transfer]
Obs
Recalls/describes the influence of common concurrent medical diseases on pregnancy Discusses the obstetric and anaesthetic management of a premature delivery Discusses the obstetric and anaesthetic management of multiple pregnancy Explains the classification of placenta praevia and the associated risk to the patient Recalls/describes the recognition and management of amniotic fluid embolus Describes the recognition and management of inverted uterus Demonstrates understanding of the methods of treating post dural puncture headache Discusses common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, including national reports Discusses the particular sensitivity of patient choices in obstetric practice even when this is not in line with accepted evidence based best practice e.g. choice of birth plan, and refusal of blood products
Paeds
Recalls/explains the relevance of the knowledge of applied basic sciences to all age groups including neonates Recalls/explains the implications of paediatric medical and surgical problems including major congenital abnormalities (eg tracheoesophageal fistula, diaphragmatic hernia,) congenital heart disease and syndromes eg Downs for anaesthesia Recalls/explains the adverse effects of starvation and hypoglycaemia in neonates and children Recallss the specific factors in preoperative assessment and preparation of neonates for surgery Describes special anaesthetic techniques for neonates Explains the difficulty of thermoregulation in the newborn and the measure required to prevent hypothermia Explains the law as relates to children in respect of Consent, Restraint and Research and the concept of Gillick competence Describes the anaesthetic management of neonates and infants for minor operations, major elective and emergency surgery Calculates the analgesic requirements of neonates and infants Describes the specific anaesthetic and monitoring equipment required for neonates Lists common anaesthetic problems in the neonatal period and explains their perioperative anaesthetic management [e.g. inguinal hernia, intestinal obstruction, pyloric stenosis] Describes the special problems of the premature and ex-premature neonate Explains the importance of a comprehensive knowledge of Child Protection and how to be responsible for taking appropriate action when non-accidental injury is suspected
Immediate Care
Recalls/explains how to recognise the critically ill child with e.g. sepsis, trauma, convulsions, diabetic emergencies and describes their timely management Explains the principles of stabilisation and safe transport of critically ill children and babies
Pain
Describes the assessment and management of acute pain in all types of surgery Describes the assessment and management of acute non surgical pain Describes the assessment and management of acute pain in special groups to include children, infants, the older person, the cognitive impaired, those with communication difficulties, the unconscious and critically ill patient Describes the basic assessment and management of chronic pain in adults Describes the basic assessment and management of cancer pain in adults Recalls advanced pharmacology of drugs used to manage pain including neuropathic pain Explains the rationale for the use of opioids in the management of chronic non malignant pain Describes the requirement for the multidisciplinary management of chronic pain
Eyes
Discusses the preoperative assessment of ophthalmic patients with particular reference to associated co-morbidities and how the care of high risk patients requiring ophthalmic surgery may be optimised Recognises that a relatively large proportion of patients requiring ophthalmic surgery are elderly and understands their particular needs including, but not exclusively, the effects of physiological changes associated with ageing and altered pharmacological responses Recalls/discusses the choice of local or general anaesthetic techniques in relation to the patient and surgery including their advantages, disadvantages and indications with particular reference to some or all of the following: Cataract surgery Strabismus surgery Glaucoma surgery Vitreoretinal surgery Oculoplastic surgery Recalls/describes the oculocardiac reflex, its treatment and prevention Recalls/describes the action of anaesthetic drugs on the eye
Recalls the physiological mechanisms which control intraocular pressure
Recalls/discusses the drugs which may alter intraocular pressure Knowledge of precautions required for revision surgery in patients who have had a previous injection of intraocular gas Recalls/discusses the choice of techniques of anaesthesia for patients with penetrating eye injury Describes the operating conditions required for successful outcomes in ophthalmic surgery and how these can be achieved Recalls/discuses the special requirements of children undergoing ophthalmic surgery Describes the advantages and disadvantages of sedation techniques for ophthalmic procedures Outlines the safety precautions required during the use of lasers in ophthalmic surgery
Recalls relevant applied anatomy required for insertion of local anaesthetic blocks for ophthalmic surgery [Cross reference applied basic sciences]
Recalls/describes the techniques of local anaesthesia available for ophthalmic surgery including their advantages, disadvantages and indications with particular reference to: Topical anaesthesia: local anaesthesia drops Superficial injection anaesthesia: subconjunctival block Needle blocks: extraconal [peribulbar] and intraconal [retrobulbar] injections Canular blocks: sub-tenons anaesthesia Recalls/describes the risks associated with needle blocks Awareness of the national guidelines regarding local anaesthesia for intraocular surgery Awareness of specific risk of wrong-site surgery when operating on paired organs such as the eyes Outlines the specific factors in the postoperative care of patients who have had ophthalmic surgery
Plastics/Burns
Plastics Can explain the specific features of preoperative assessment of patients for major plastic surgery procedures Explains and critically evaluates anaesthetic techniques appropriate for plastic surgical procedures including major reconstructive cases procedures Explains the factors affecting tissue blood flow with respect to free-flap surgery Describes methods for improving blood flow to the surgical field during plastic surgery BURNS Describes the pathophysiology of burn injury including thermal airway injury and smoke inhalation Describes the initial assessment and management of a patient with severe burns, including electrical & chemical burns Explains the principles of anaesthetic management of burns patients for surgery including dressing changes, grafting and related procedures
Vascular
Recalls/describes the cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology relevant to perioperative vascular surgery Lists the methods of assessment of the patients functional cardiovascular capacity Explains the preoperative management of the patient with atherosclerotic disease Describes the perioperative management of the patient for major vascular surgery Describes the resuscitation and management of major vascular accidents including the management of ruptured aortic aneurysms Explains the management of patients for endovascular radiological procedures [e.g. Stenting] including anaesthesia in isolated locations [Cross reference non-theatre anaesthesia] Describes the management of elective carotid artery surgery with general or regional anaesthesia Explains the principles and anaesthetic implications of sympathectomy, including thoracoscopic procedures Describes the postoperative management and critical care of vascular patients Explains the effects of smoking on health Recalls/describes the morbidity and mortality associated with vascular surgery Recalls/explains the principles of blood conservation and red cell salvage when major haemorrhage is predicted Recalls the pathophysiology of aortic cross-clamping and of renal protection strategies ********************PLUS ICU AND ADVANCED SCIENCES************************************************************************
ICU
Domain 1: Resuscitation and initial management of the acutely ill patient
1.5 1.6
Assesses and provides initial management of the trauma patient Assesses and provides initial management of the patient with burns Domain 2: Diagnosis, Assessment, Investigation, Monitoring and Data Interpretation See Basic level competences, in Annex B
Domain 3: Disease Management
D, I, C, M, T, E D, I, C, M, T, E
1 1
3.11 4.7 5.3 5.12 6.3 6.5 8.1 8.3 8.4 8.5 9.1 9.2 10.1
Recognises life-threatening maternal peripartum complications and manages care under supervision I, C, E Domain 4: Therapeutic interventions / Organ system support in single or multiple organ failure D, I, C, T, Initiates, manages and weans patients from renal replacement therapy E Domain 5: Practical procedures Performs difficult and failed airway management according to local protocols D, E Performs transthoracic cardiac pacing describes transvenous D, C, E Domain 6: Peri-operative care C, T, E Manages the care of the patient following craniotomy under supervision C, T, E Manages the pre- and post-operative care of the trauma patient under supervision
Domain 8: End of life care
1 1, 4 1, 4 1, 4 1 1 1, 3, 4 1, 3, 4 1 1 1 1 1, 3
Manages the process of withholding or withdrawing treatment with the multidisciplinary team Manages palliative care of the critically ill patient Performs brain-stem death testing Manages the physiological support of the organ donor Domain 9: Paediatric care Describes the recognition of the acutely ill child and initial management of paediatric emergencies Describes national legislation and guidelines relating to child protection and their relevance to critical care
Domain 10: Transport
C, M, E C, M, T, E D, E I, C, E I, C, E C, E D, I, C, M, E
Undertakes transport of the mechanically ventilated critically ill patient outside the ICU
Anatomy
Competence Description Assessment methods GMP
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of: Relevant anatomy for understanding of surgical procedures
Anatomy relevant to acute and chronic pain management, including the whole range of neural blockade techniques outlined in the pain management section of the intermediate syllabus
Anatomy relevant to the whole range of practical procedures outlined in the intensive care medicine section of the intermediate syllabus Anatomy relevant to the regional anaesthetic techniques [central and peripheral blocks, including ophthalmic] as outlined in the regional anaesthesia section of the intermediate syllabus; includes anatomy as visualised using ultrasound imaging during regional anaesthesia Anatomy of the airway including anatomical knowledge relevant to the performance of fibre-optic intubation Anatomy of the central veins and adjacent structures as visualised using ultrasound imaging Anatomy relevant to the avoidance of injury to patients due to posture and positioning during anaesthesia Anatomical changes that occur during development from neonate to older child Maternal and fetal anatomy relevant to the practice of obstetric anaesthesia
Anatomy relevant to the practice of neuroanaesthesia including anatomy of the skull, skull base, CSF circulation and cerebral blood flow
Demonstrates knowledge of: Analgesia: principles of analgesia including infusions, patient controlled analgesia; medications for chronic pain including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics; routes of administration including oral; sublingual; subcutaneous, IM; IV; inhalational analgesia, patient controlled analgesia, epidural; agents used for regional techniques and local blocks Management of acute poisoning: including aspirin; paracetamol; opioids; aminophylline; digoxin; ecstasy and other social drugs; antidepressants; alcohol Drug toxicity, causes and avoidance. Management of malignant hyperthermia. Potential risks of drug additives Pharmacokinetics. Including target controlled infusions and effects of renal and/or hepatic impairment on drug disposition Cardiovascular System: principles and use of inotropes and vasodilators, including pulmonary vasodilators; pharmacological problems in cardiopulmonary bypass, cardioplegia; Management of arrhythmias Use of drugs in the management of cardiogenic shock and cardiac failure Management of hypertension before anaesthesia, including acute management and phaeochromocytoma. Manipulation of blood pressure to assist surgery Antibiotics: principles of action; choice of drug. Antibiotic prophylaxis against surgical infection including subacute bacterial endocarditis. Therapy of bacterial, fungal and viral infections Anticoagulant and thrombolytic prophylaxis and therapy, including management of pulmonary embolus The Respiratory System: management of severe asthma; use of gases: helium and nitric oxide The Gastrointestinal System: acid aspiration prophylaxis; anti-emetics CNS: general vs regional anaesthesia in all areas of anaesthesia; action of drugs on the eye; control of convulsions The Musculoskeletal System: muscle relaxants and reversal agents; anaesthetic implications of myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular disorders Resuscitation: including management of allergy and anaphylaxis Principles of parenteral and enteral nutritional formulas in intensive care Therapeutics in pathologic states: problems associated with organ transplantation; anaesthetic relevance of drugs used in malignancy; therapy in acute and chronic respiratory diseases Problems of drug dependency and addiction Environmental effects of anaesthetic agents
Abnormal electrocardiogram and arrhythmias; electrophysiological basis of arrhythmias Cardiomyopathy and abnormal ventricular function congenital and acquired Heart failure systolic vs diastolic, high vs low cardiac output Hypovolaemia and shock neurohumoral adaptions Ischaemic heart disease Valvular defects stenotic vs regurgitant Hypertension systemic and pulmonary Common congenital heart defects including PFO, ASD, bicuspid AV, VSD
KIDNEY AND BODY FLUIDS
Disturbances of fluid balance, oedema and dehydration Management of acid-base abnormalities Renal tubular acidosis Assessment of renal function Renal failure and its management Diuresis action of diuretics Plasma electrolyte disturbances LIVER Hepatic failure Jaundice Porphyria RESPIRATION Disorders of respiratory mechanics, gas exchange and gas transport
Disorders of the pulmonary circulation arterial vs venous Respiratory failure and ventilatory support; consequences of positive pressure ventilation Effects of changes in ambient pressure
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Consciousness and sleep Depth of anaesthesia effects of anaesthetics on neurotransmission Consequences of spinal cord injury and deafferentation Monitoring of spinal cord function under general anaesthesia Mechanisms of pain; somatic, visceral, neuropathic Control of cerebral circulation, intracranial and intraocular pressures Disorders of the autonomic nervous system
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Nausea and vomiting Oesophageal reflux Obstruction of bowel physiological consequences Swallowing disorders The mucosal barrier METABOLISM AND BODY TEMPERATURE Hormonal and metabolic response to trauma Hyperthermia and hypothermia Starvation / obesity ENDOCRINOLOGY Structure and function of the endocrine system; endocrine abnormalities of significance to anaesthesia e.g. Cushings, Addisons, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, phaeochromocytoma. The stress response OBSTETRICS AND PAEDIATRICS Effects of prematurity
Developmental changes in infancy and childhood, including psychological aspects Physiology of normal and abnormal pregnancy, including physiology of labour and childbirth
Nutrition
Competence Description Assessment methods GMP
Nutritional assessment techniques including laboratory tests Clinical consequences of poor nutritional status: including wound healing, infection, cardiovascular stability, thermoregulation, respiratory control The role of artificial nutritional support in improving surgical outcome enteral and parenteral. Nutritional supplements Mechanics of providing parenteral and enteral nutrition and different routes; pre and post pyloric Complications of parenteral and enteral nutritional support Consequences of overfeeding: CO2 production, uraemia, hypermetabolism, hypertryglyceridaemia, hepatic steatosis Changes in intestinal blood flow with injury/sepsis/critical illness Choice of artificial nutritional support in trauma/sepsis/critical illness. Principles of enteral and parenteral feeding including trace elements Knowledge of the vulnerability of certain groups [very old, very young] to malnutrition and its effects
Demonstrates knowledge of: Assessment of respiratory function: blood gases, including capillary, venous and mixed venous; flow-volume loops, diffusion capacity Assessment of cardiac function, including exercise testing: METS, stair climbing, shuttle test Measurement of nerve conduction Operative spinal cord monitoring Peripheral nerve stimulators: assessment of neuromuscular function. Identification of nerves with needle electrode. Interpretation of biochemical data Interpretation of haematological data Measurement of coagulation of the blood and interpretation of data Interpretation and errors of dynamic pressure measurements: systemic, pulmonary, arterial and venous pressures Interpretation and errors of dynamic pressure measurements: intracranial, intrathoracic, intra-abdominal and intraocular pressures Cardiac output measurement: interpretation and limitations of derived indices: PiCO, LiDCO, bioimpedance, contour analysis Trans-oesophageal ECHO [TOE] Principles of imaging: principle characteristics of medical imaging devices [including X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound], including principles, construction, artefacts, bio-effects, hazards and safety Radiation protection Capnography: interpretation and errors Pulse oximetry Ventilatory and respiratory gas analysis Sleep studies - principles Principles of hygiene, including cleaning and sterilisation of equipment, and care of fibre-optic instruments Principles of fibre-optic instruments Principles of haemofiltration and renal support Assessment of the depth of general anaesthesia and avoidance of awareness Measurement of evoked potentials in the clinical situation
Demonstrates knowledge of: Glasgow coma score [GCS] Anaesthetic and surgical outcome scoring systems: including Goldman, Detsky, APACHE, POSSUM etc Sedation scoring systems
Data collection and analysis Explains the simple aspects of study design defining the outcome measures and the uncertainty of measuring them Application to clinical practice Explains the difference between statistical and clinical significance Recalls the limits of clinical trials Recalls the basics of systemic review and its pitfalls Study design Recalls how to define a clinical research question Explains the effects of bias Recalls the use of controls, placebos, randomisation and binding exclusion criteria Explains statistical issues including sample size and ethical issues