VICTORIA Study
Summary
The main objective of the VICTORIA pilot study (Virtual reality training in Intensive Care To Optimize knowledge & skills Retention In Achieving better clinical practice) is to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of two digital educational modalities (online conventional training and web-based self-paced virtual reality, referred from now on as VR training) on knowledge, skills and attitudes of intensive care physicians.
Eligibility criteria:
- Medical doctor degree
- Completion of a minimum 6 months and a maximum of 18 months of clinical ICU training
- Working in a European ICU
- Availability for the training programme
- Minimum of intermediate English level written and oral (self-assessed, no language certificate required)
Exclusion criteria:
- < 6 months of clinical ICU training
- > 18 months of clinical ICU training
- Working in a non-European ICU
- Lack of or limited availability for the study programme
We are excited to announce that all those who complete correctly ALL the components of the study will be rewarded with a FREE ESICM membership for 2025. See the components below as follows:
- Pre-test
- Intervention
- Post-test
- Interview (for a subset of participants)
- Follow-up
General Information
Enrolled trainees 142
Open 03.04.2024
Last Updated April 3, 2024
Intended Learning Outcomes
Antimicrobial Stewardship
- Understanding the pro and con of antimicrobial use
- Identification of likely infection and empiric antimicrobial selection (incl. initial PK/PD)
- Role of diagnostics in identifying the microorganisms involved & resistance patterns
- The modification of antimicrobial therapy (microbiology, clinical evolution, drug-interactions, TDM)
- Importance of source control in infection management & how this contributes to AMS
- The importance of multi-professional teams
- The importance of infection prevention and control
- How individual patient data contributes to surveillance, and feeds into decision making
Hemodynamics Cardiogenic shock and Septic shock
- Understand the pathophysiology and aetiologies of cardiogenic and septic shock
- Recognize clinical phenotypes of CS
- Recognize the causes of deterioration in CS
- Have in depth knowledge of the haemodynamic consequences of shock
- Physiology pre and postcapillary PHT
- Have in depth knowledge of the implications of fluids and vasoactive drugs
- Early start of norepi in case of severe hypotension
- Have an in-depth knowledge of inotropic Rx in CS
- Early fluid infusion (no need for preload responsiveness assessment)
- Have in depth knowledge of haemodynamic monitoring options
- Understand different modes of haemodynamic monitoring incl. their advantages and disadvantages
- Escalation of haemodynamic monitoring. Resident asks if he should insert a PAC or PiCCO
- Apply and analyse different methods for testing fluid responsiveness
- Effect of PPV on myocardial wall tension (MC)
- Understand the role of echocardiography in diagnosis and monitoring, differentiating focused vs advanced CCE
- Recognize the importance of time 'time is muscle'
- Understand the dilemma of sedation and intubation at ED without cathlab at hand
- Understand how positive pressure ventilation affects myocardial wall tension and myocardial oxygen consumption
- Understand the indications for mechanical circulatory support
Mechanical Ventilation
- How to assess the severity of a patient with acute respiratory failure
- How to choose the oxygenation support and to prepare intubation
- How to monitor the lung mechanics in a ARDS patient
- How to decide when using neuromuscular blocking agents and proning
- How to monitor the transition toward spontaneous breathing
- How to do weaning
Renal Replacement Therapies
- Initiation of RRT
- Discuss the individual components of prescription of RRT
- Discuss how to select the appropriate catheter
- Evaluate RRT troubleshooting
- Complications of citrate anticoagulation
- Demonstrate the benefits of a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach
VV-ECMO
- To understand the indications and rationale for VV-ECMO support
- To understand the (patho)physiology of oxygen uptake during VV-ECMO support
- To be able to troubleshoot inadequate oxygenation during VV-ECMO support
- To understand the (patho)physiology of carbon dioxide removal during VV-ECMO support
- To be able to troubleshoot inadequate carbon dioxide removal during VV-ECMO support
- To understand the interaction of VV-ECMO with hemodynamics
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.
Core Skills for Clinical Pharmacists in Intensive Care
Summary
Dear participant,
Clinical pharmacists in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) improve patient outcome including mortality, ICU length of stay and reducing adverse drug events.
Building on ESICM’s reputation of excellence in education, this face to face course for the clinical pharmacist will be delivered by multiple modes of education, including workshops, case-based discussions and small group learning. There will be a strong focus on problem solving skills and also on the evidence base that supports decision making in ICU.
An online support classroom has been created to support the preparation and communication with course participants before and after the course takes place.
The classroom will stay open for 3 months after the event.
Enjoy!
General Information
Enrolled trainees 30
Open 26.02.2024
Close 03.10.2024
Available for ESICM limited places
Last Updated February 26, 2024
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will know how:
- To define the role of the clinical pharmacist in intensive care
- To understand analgesia, sedation & delirium
- To present and demonstrate patient assessment & monitoring
- To explain and illustrate the responsibilities of clinical pharmacists in the management of the patient with infections, shock and Antimicrobial Stewardship
- To describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critical illness
- To analyse how medicines optimisation takes place for the ICU patient
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.
Workshop For Educators
General Information
Enrolled trainees 141
Open 28.02.2024
Available for ESICM limited places
Last Updated February 28, 2024
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.
Renal Replacement Therapy in ICU 2024
Summary
This unique, interactive training experience blends theory with practice and is now offered in new formats that overcome social distancing barriers and facilitate the transfer of what is being learned throughout the sessions to the clinical setting with immediate feedback from the experts to improve your daily practice.
The training programme employs a variety of educational strategies, from interactive lectures, moderated debates, interviews with experts, to case-based sessions, video analysis and group work.
An online support classroom has been created and includes various study resources on the topic. Participants are welcome to study them for a better in-class performance. Continuous monitoring and follow will be carried out in order to ensure that any shortcomings are avoided.
The classroom will stay open for 3 months after the Live Event. A pre-test will be open 72 hours in advance and will close the first day of the course. The course will be followed by a post-test, available 72 hours post-course along with the quality assessment questionnaire. Pre and post evaluation results will be evaluated to measure the training impact.
Enjoy!
General Information
Enrolled trainees 39
Open 15.01.2024
Close 31.08.2024
Available for ESICM limited places
Last Updated January 15, 2024
Intended Learning Outcomes
After studying this module on Renal Replacement Therapy you should be able to:
- Describe the principles behind the available modalities for RRT
- Describe the different intermittend methods (IRRT)
- Describe the different continuous methods (CRRT)
- Choose the right modality of RRT
- List absolute indications to start RRT
- List potential indications to start RRT
- List the potential vascular access locations and the corresponding catheter length
- List the ‘’ten commandments’’ of the ideal RRT catheter
- Describe the most important membrane characteristics
- Outline the main determinants of the treatment dose
- Outline the determinants of the filtration fraction
- Outline the difference between circuit clotting and membrane clogging
- Calculate transmembrane pressure
- Describe the potential complications of systemic anticoagulation
- Describe the potential complications of regional citrate anticoagulation
- Outline non-pharmacological approaches to anticoagulation
- List potential complications of RRT
- Describe altered pharmacology during RRT
- List drugs with limited extra corporal removal
- Outline the determinants of antibiotic dosage during RRT
- List the features associated with successful weaning from RRT
- Outline the non-renal indications for RRT
Relevant competencies in CoBaTrICE
- 1.6 Assesses and provides initial management of the patient with burns
- 3.4 Recognises and manages the patient with, or at risk of, acute renal failure
- 4.1 Prescribes drugs and therapies safely
- 4.7 Initiates, manages, and weans patients from renal replacement therapy
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.
Course on nutrition in critical illness 2024
Summary
Dear participant,
The Course on Nutrition in critical illness provides participants with an overview of the field of nutrition and metabolic management in intensive care. A high level of interaction is the core feature of this full day of learning. During the course, you will be able to learn from experts and share best practice with peers, be part of a unique training experience that proactively recalls your previous knowledge and skills in field of nutrition in critical care, as well as deepen and broaden your knowledge in line with your profile and interest.
An online support classroom has been created and includes various study resources on the topic. Participants are welcome to study them for a better in-class performance. Continuous monitoring and follow will be carried out in order to ensure that any shortcomings are avoided.
The classroom will stay open for 3 months after the Live Event. A pre-test will be open 72 hours in advance and will close the first day of the course. The course will be followed by a post-test, available 72 hours post-course along with the quality assessment questionnaire. Pre and post evaluation results will be open 72 hours in advance and will close the first day of the event. The eCourse will be followed by a post-test along with the quality assessment questionnaire. Pre and post evaluation results will be evaluated to measure the training impact.
Enjoy!
General Information
Enrolled trainees 117
Open 23.10.2023
Close 28.07.2024
Available for ESICM limited places
Last Updated October 23, 2023
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the evidence surrounding enteral (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) during the different phases of the metabolic response to critical illness.
- Understand the value of observational and controlled studies in assessing patient-centred outcomes (particularly physical function) with reliable estimates of treatment effect and translation to the bedside.
- Understand the value and limitations of scores and biomarkers for assessing nutrition status, timing of nutrition and risk of refeeding syndrome.
- Understand the indication for different PN & EN formulations and different access-modalities (nasal/oral tube versus percutaneous access to the stomach, duodenum or jejunum)
- Outline the target for energy (including indirect calorimetry), protein, micronutrients and electrolytes and blood glucose levels and their translation into pragmatic protocols and quality improvement strategies
Relevant competencies in CoBaTrICE
- 3.7 RECOGNISES AND MANAGES THE PATIENT WITH ACUTE GASTROINTESTINAL FAILURE
- 4.1 PRESCRIBES DRUGS AND THERAPIES SAFELY
- 4.8 RECOGNISES AND MANAGES ELECTROLYTE, GLUCOSE AND ACID-BASE DISTURBANCES
- 4.9 CO-ORDINATES AND PROVIDES NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.
Sepsis and Severe Infections
Summary
Infection is a very common problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients may be admitted with sepsis or may develop infections during their ICU stay. At any given time, about 2/3 of ICU patients are on antibiotics. However, prescribing and dosing antibiotics is not always extensively integrated in medical education. ICU patients pose some very specific challenges due to changes in physiology due to critical illness. Additionally, research on administration of antibiotics in ICU patients and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a quickly advancing field. Diagnosing infection and sepsis can sometimes be challenging in an ICU patient, but is an important skill for all intensivists.
This course in infections and sepsis in the ICU relates directly to clinical challenges intensivists have on a daily basis. In the field of ICU medicine that is so interrelated to all patient groups and other specialties like microbiology and pharmacy, a course on sepsis and severe infections provides the best framework for education. We believe that such learning initiatives will contribute to improvements in the quality of care we deliver to patients and their families.
An online support classroom has been created and includes various study resources on the topic. Participants are welcome to study them for a better in-class performance. Continuous monitoring and follow will be carried out in order to ensure that any shortcomings are avoided.
The classroom will stay open for 3 months after the Live Event. A pre-test will be open 72 hours in advance and will close the first day of the course. The course will be followed by a post-test, available 72 hours post-course along with the quality assessment questionnaire. Pre and post evaluation results will be evaluated to measure the training impact.
Enjoy!
General Information
Enrolled trainees 80
Open 23.10.2023
Close 26.05.2024
Available for ESICM limited places
Last Updated October 23, 2023
Intended Learning Outcomes
- To review the current knowledge of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of infections and sepsis
- To reinforce participants’ knowledge of recognition, source identification and initial treatment (antibiotics, organ support and fluid therapy)
- To adopt a structured and timely approach to the recognition, assessment and stabilisation of a patient presenting with infection with disordered physiology
- To obtain a history and performs an accurate clinical examination, with attention to specific infection-related items (like occupancy, travel, pets etc).
- To undertake timely and appropriate investigations to diagnose infection in a critically ill patient
- To understand pathophysiology of sepsis including interplay between infectious noxae, immune system and other organ systems
- To recognise and manage septic patients including initial physiological stabilization and prescription of appropriate empirical antibiotics
- To manage correctly the (frequent and less frequent) infections in the ICU setting
- To know principles of antibiotic surveillance and be able to describe strategy of limitations of MDR bacteria
- To employ the antibiotic stewardship: PKPD of antibiotics, biomarkers, duration and de-escalation of antibiotic therapy as well as preventive strategies
- To understand the role of adjuvant therapies (safety, tolerability and impact)
- To facilitate competence transfer to practice-based performance at the bedside.
- To be able to interpret and critically appraise clinical trials in the field of infectious diseases.
Relevant competencies in CoBaTrICE
- 1.1 Adopts a structured and timely approach to the recognition, assessment and stabilisation of the acutely ill patient with disordered physiology
- 2.2 Undertakes timely and appropriate investigations
- 2.5 Obtains appropriate microbiological samples and interprets results
- 3.1 Manages the care of the critically ill patient with specific acute medical conditions
- 3.3 Recognises and manages the patient with circulatory failure
- 3.9 Recognises and manages the septic patient
- 4.1 Prescribes drugs and therapies safely
- 4.2 Manages antimicrobial drug therapy
- 4.4 Uses fluids and vasoactive / inotropic drugs to support the circulation
- 11.2 Complies with local infection control measures
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.
ALIVE
Intensive Care Fundamentals 2024
Summary
Intensive Care Fundamentals (ICF) is a new educational initiative carefully prepared and standardised by ESICM experts to be delivered locally in local languages by ESICM-trained and certified faculty.
ICF adopts the successful hybrid educationmodel with self-paced learning at home and an interactive face-to-face component.
For the first module of self-paced learning, the trainees will have access to the Intensive Care Fundamentals book that contains practically oriented essential knowledge complementary to the content of the face-to-face course.
The second module is a standardised 2-day face-to-face course composed by:
- case-based scenarios
- interactive workshops
- and simulations
The formats were chosen to allow enough flexibility to tailor the training according to local practices, SOPs, and habits, whilst the principles of current evidence-based practices that should be common across countries and hospitals, are firmly embedded in the standardised content.
The future trainers should undergo a Training for Trainers course to:
- get familiar with the ICF Course content
- learn how to set it up in their hospitals and
- receive ESICM Certification as ICF Trainer
General Information
Enrolled trainees 142
Open 16.01.2024
Available for ESICM limited places
Last Updated January 16, 2024
Intended Learning Outcomes
Outcomes 1: The deteriorating patient
- Identify an acutely ill or deteriorating patient (in a simulated setting)
- Identify life-threatening conditions in an effective and timely fashion using the ABCDE approach (in a simulated setting)
- Stabilise and initiate treatment for a critically ill patient (in a simulated setting)
- Discuss the risks and possible pitfalls of transporting a critically ill patient
- Recognise and manage circulatory arrest and peri-arrest states (in a simulated setting)
- Describe the patient at risk of difficult intubation
Outcomes 2: Ward round
- Demonstrate a routine daily reassessment of a patient in a structured manner (in a simulated setting)
- Effectively prescribe venous thromboembolic disease and stress ulcers prophylaxis.
Outcomes 3: Organ support
3a: Acute respiratory failure
- Describe the indications and modalities of oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation methods, and indications for intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation
- Apply basic physiological principles of mechanical ventilation - volumes, pressures, compliance etc. in the management of the most common lung pathologies using basic modes of ventilation (in a simulated setting)
- Demonstrate the ability to initially set a ventilator and adapt ventilatory settings for patients with the most common types of ventilation disorders, including obstructive pulmonary disease and ARDS (in a simulated setting/app)
- Select an adequate PEEP based on physiological values (in a simulated setting/app)
- Identify the most common types of ventilator interference (in a simulated setting/app)
- List the most common cause of sudden hypoxia in a patient with a tracheostomy
- Discuss the managment of the acutely hypoxic patient on mechanical ventilation in ICU
- Describe the principles of weaning from mechanical ventilation, readiness testing and the risk factors for weaning failure
3b: Shock and Haemodynamic monitoring
- Describe basic cardiovascular physiology and its monitoring in the context of the most common pathologies in ICU, including cardiac output and its measurement, left heart failure, and right heart failure
- Demonstrate assessment of fluid responsiveness in the simulated haemodynamically unstable patient/case
- Discuss the indications and use of vasopressor therapy
- Describe the different aetiologies of shock, recognise the role of POCUS to help assess the causes of haemodynamic instability
3c: Sepsis and septic shock
- discuss the warning signs of life-threatening infection
- discuss the one-hour bundle of treatment of patients with sepsis
- Describe the most common ICU acquired infections and propose an effective initial antibiotic treatment
- Identify the need for urgent source control in sepsis where appropriate in a simulated setting or case
- Describe the basics of antibiotic stewardship
3d: Metabolic derangements
- Interpret arterial blood gases
- Describe a treatment plan for patients with life-threatening electrolyte and metabolic disturbances
- Propose the appropriate management for patients with the most common metabolic disorders, especially hyperkalaemia and hypernatraemia
- Discuss the importace of fluid choice and balance in the critically ill patient
3e: Renal failure
- Recognise indications for urgent renal replacement therapy (in a simulated patient/case)
- Describe common Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) modes and compare haemodialysis, haemofiltration and haemodiafiltration
3f: Nutrition
- Discuss the benefits and risks of enteral and parenteral nutrition
3g: Treatment and prevention of delirium, sedation and analgesia
- Discuss the physical and psychosocial needs of hospitalised patients with regards to the prevention of delirium
- Describe signs of hypo- and hyperactive delirium and treatment options
- Safely prescribe sedation and analgesia in a simulated ICU setting or case, including adequate use of sedation holds
Outcomes 4: Specific pathologies in the intensive care unit
4a: Trauma and Surgery
- Discuss suitable options for perioperative pain management
- Apply the principles of safe blood transfusion to a simulated patient with life-threatening haemorrhage / trauma
- Diagnose and propose a treatment plan for the common coagulopathies in a simulated patient or case
- Discuss the management of haemorrhage in a patient who is receiving an anticoagulant/antiplatelet agent
4b: Neurological emergencies and basics of neurointensive care
- Describe the pathophysiology of intracranial hypertension and its operative and non-operative management
- Describe a treatment plan for patients with various neurological injuries (e.g.,Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI] and stroke)
- Explain the meaning of neuroprotective measures in patients with brain injury
- Discuss the immediate actions needed when a patient is showing signs of coning
- Discuss the initial management of patients with seizures and/or status epilepticus
- Plan neuroprotective strategies following cardiac arrest in a simulated patient or case
- Describe the principles of post-resuscitation care prognostic assessment post-CPR
4c: Medical emergencies
- Recognise and effectively treat life-threatening brady- and tachyarrhytmias in a simulated setting
Outcomes 5: Non-technical aspects of intensive care
5a: Ethics of intensive care, end-of-life aspects
- Explain the limitations of intensive care, and the principles of withholding and withdrawing treatment, inclulding potential organ donation
- Describe a management and treatment plan for the patient at the end of life including symptom relief therapy
5b: Crisis resource management and communication in crisis
- Discuss the principles of communication in crisis and crisis resource management (leadership, membership, situational awareness) and relate them to their own experience and professional context
- Communicate in a professional but effective and assertive manner in a simulated emergency
- Demonstrate a succinct and structured handover in a simulated setting
Outcomes 6: Equipment
- Troubleshoot common issues with equipment: monitoring, arterial lines, central venous catheters, and chest drain
Enrollment Options
You are currently NOT enrolled in this course.
This course is a limited Seats course.
To access Limited Seats courses visit ESICM.