The University of Edinburgh has released a number of its online courses to frontline NHS workers for free to help in the fight against coronavirus.
The courses have been designed by experts in respiratory medicine and critical care, to provide help to those treating critically ill patients for the first time and those who are returning to practice after time away.
The University’s MSc Critical Care team – in conjunction with the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – has developed an online training and education hub called the Covid-19 Critical Care Education Resource.
The resource hub provides access to professional knowledge and expertise covering routine critical care activities, as well as Covid-19 specific education. It also provides practical tools for self-care and staff wellbeing.
The university has also announced hopes that the resources will have a positive impact outside of the UK and will allow clinicians in under-resourced environments to have access to further information.
Dr Graham Nimmo, Programme Director of MSc Critical Care, said:
“Critical care focuses on the patient, their family, and the staff who look after them. As learners and teachers, it is our privilege to create a community of learning with the common goal of improving patient care and outcomes whilst supporting staff.
"These are the principles upon which our MSc Critical Care programme is based. This resource is entirely open access and we hope that it will benefit staff in our NHS and beyond.”
Working with staff from Information Services, and in collaboration with the NHS Lothian Medical Education Directorate, they have provided access to educational videos for frontline NHS staff.
The videos address recognition of acutely unwell patients, with a particular focus on respiratory failure and its management.
Alongside a team of clinical educators from the NHS Lothian Medical Education, Dr James Tiernan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Dr Emma Scahill, Clinical Teaching Fellow, are also facilitating regular online learning sessions for clinicians.
Dr Tiernan said:
“We are delighted to share these University resources with the rest of our clinical colleagues. These videos will be particularly valuable for our junior clinicians.
"They will also serve as helpful refreshers for those that have not worked in acute care environments in recent times, as we work together to deliver excellent care for people with Covid-19.”
