Course Overview

How confident do you feel conducting a paediatric health assessment?

This Ausmed Course provides a practical and easy-to-follow resource for identifying and managing the warning signs of a serious illness and deterioration in children, aged 1 to 18.

Topics

• Preparing for a paediatric assessment
• Paediatric assessment triangle (PAT)
• Primary assessment (ABCDE) and secondary assessment
• Post-assessment protocols
• Patient case study

Need

There is evidence to suggest that illnesses that occur in childhood may not only adversely affect the child at the time of the illness, but may also affect long-term outcomes, including their development. Therefore, early recognition of illnesses and the warning signs of deterioration will allow for timely action, which may prevent potential issues, both in the present and the future.

Education on this topic is necessary, as a practical, easy-to-follow resource for conducting a paediatric assessment and managing deviations will better enable healthcare professionals to accurately and quickly recognise these early warning signs of serious illness.

Purpose

The purpose of this Ausmed Course is to provide healthcare professionals with an improved understanding of paediatric assessment, including deviation identification, care prioritisation and ensuring appropriate management, in order to achieve positive outcomes for both children and their families.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how to prepare for a paediatric assessment.
• Understand the key components of a paediatric assessment.
• Recognise the signs of deterioration in children.
• Implement best-practice protocols during post-assessment in order to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Apply knowledge to decide the level of care needed and prioritise urgency in practice.

Target Audience

Nurses and other healthcare professionals working with paediatric populations, who are looking to refresh or expand their knowledge about assessing children and prioritising care based on their findings.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest exists for anyone in the position to control content for this activity. Wherever possible, generic or non-proprietary names of medications or products have been used.

Educators

Presented by

Jane Mateer View profile

Jane Mateer is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in prehospital, metropolitan and military settings. Her qualifications include a master in public health and a graduate diploma in advanced practice (nurse practitioner), as well as certificates in emergency nursing and education. A specialist in emergency, paediatric and trauma care, Jane currently works as a clinical nurse educator in paediatric care, having previously worked as a clinical nurse consultant, educator, manager and university lecturer. She is currently completing a PhD into the experiences of Australian Army Nursing Officers in armed conflict.

Peer reviewed by

Leanne Boase View profile