Introduction to Critical Care Facilitators

Course Overview

The CCSG ‘Introduction to Critical Care’ working group was established in early 2021, with the aim of developing a course for those new to working in critical care, especially those working in isolation without a team of critical care dietitians to support them.

It took two years to take the project from a concept to a fully functioning course including a comprehensive pre-course e-learning component. In February 2023 we celebrated delivering our first highly successful course in the BDA centre for education and development. We were especially proud to have the first male facilitators of any BDA classroom event.

The ethos of this course is to generate a safe space for participants to learn more about the basics of critical care nutrition, or upskill or to gain reassurance. As facilitators we aim to create a relaxed and informal environment where participants feel able to share and learn from each other.

Aims of the course

To become aware of and appreciate the dietetic and physiological principles that are fundamental to working in a critical care setting
To gain the key skills and knowledge to be able to confidently work autonomously as a dietitian in a critical care setting

Learning outcomes

To be able to describe and discuss the principles of professional practice related to critical care, such as national and international guidelines and unit-based initiatives, and implement into own dietetic practice.
To demonstrate knowledge and ability to undertake all aspects of a dietetic assessment and development of a treatment plan for a critically-ill patient, as per the BDA Dietetic Care Process.

Roles and responsibilities

To commit to being a course facilitator for a 2-year period
To be available to deliver a minimum of 2 courses per year (unless there are exceptional circumstances that should be discussed with the chair)
Formal facilitator agreement as an independent contractor to be in place between the facilitator and BDA before teaching can take place
Payment will be from the BDA following course delivery on receipt of an invoice and travel and accommodation booked if required.
New facilitators to shadow at least 1 course before delivering a course, in partnership with an existing facilitator (travel & accommodation (if required) expenses paid by the BDA)
Be thoroughly familiar with the course materials prior to the event, including the e-learning modules and activity workbook (access is available via dropbox)
Deliver the session with the agreed course materials and delivery tools
To ensure all course content and teaching materials are kept strictly confidential and not shared with any other persons or organisations
To comply with the agreement with the BDA that all intellectual property, course materials and other content is exclusively owned by the BDA.
To respect each other and work collaboratively with other facilitators
To attend bi-annual (1 virtual, 1 face to face) facilitator meetings / training sessions.
To contribute to the development and evaluation and revisions of the pre-course and taught materials in collaboration with the other course facilitators
If the course delivery commitment is not met, or principles of collective responsibility or mutual respect are not demonstrated, the facilitator will be requested to stand down from their formal membership to the group
If facilitators are no longer able to fulfil the roles and responsibilities and wish to withdraw from the group, they should confirm this in writing via email to the chair.

Who are we looking for?

A diverse group of dietitians who are working or have experience of working on critical care
Good team working and interpersonal skills
Experience in teaching and education to healthcare professionals
Excellent oral and written communication skills with a people from a wide variety of backgrounds
Up to date with current evidence based practice nutrition in critical care
Lots of enthusiasm!

Thank you for showing an interest into facilitating the Introduction to Critical Care Dietetics course. Due to the number of applications, we have closed for further submissions. Please monitor for CCSG updates for when we advertise for facilitators again. The Introduction to Critical Care Dietetics Facilitators