Surgery & Medicine - Diagnosis Management & Care of the ENT Patient

Course details

As part of the ongoing implementation of the HSE's Model of Care for Otolaryngology, we have launched a programme for postgraduate education and training in ENT for healthcare professionals working in primary care.



The new Postgraduate Certificate in the Diagnosis, Management and Care of the ENT Patient, which commenced in 2020, is a collaboration between the National Clinical Programme in Surgery (NCPS), the RCSI ENT education programme in primary care and the RCSI School of Nursing & Midwifery.



The aim of the programme is to enhance the delivery of high-quality patient care; enabling timely access for patients with more complex ENT conditions to hospital-based treatment.



Offered on a blended, part-time basis, the programme comprises three modules looking at the management of patients suffering from aural disorders; nasal/paranasal disorders; and throat, neck and oral cavity disorders.

Modules:

Module 1. Interdisciplinary management of patients suffering from ear conditions

This module will focus on the applied anatomy and physiology of the ear. You will be upskilled in the pathophysiology and management of non-complex ear conditions – to include cerumen impaction, otitis externa and acute CSOM – through a blended learning programme including simulation skills training in ear-suction using loupes and a microscope. Upon completion of this module, you will have acquired advanced knowledge, skills and professional attributes to work as part of a multidisciplinary primary care team in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with common ENT conditions of the ear and the use of ear suctioning.



Module 2. Interdisciplinary management of patients suffering from nasal conditions

In this module you will be upskilled in the applied anatomy and physiology of the nasal cavity to include the vascular anatomy, as it relates to epistaxis. Content will focus on the pathophysiology and management of non-complex epistaxis, sinonasal allergy and nasal polyposis. Simulation skills training in nasal speculum examination and epistaxis management will incorporate the use of an examining headlight, nasal suctioning and nasal packing using standardised methods, appropriate for the primary care setting. Upon completion of this module, you will have acquired advanced knowledge, skills and professional attributes to work as part of a multidisciplinary primary care team in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with common ENT conditions of the nose and paranasal sinuses.



Module 3. Interdisciplinary management of patients suffering from throat conditions

In this module you will be upskilled in the applied anatomy and physiology of the oropharynx and larynx. This module will focus on the pathophysiology and management of non-complex and complex throat infections and common laryngeal conditions encountered in a primary care setting. Simulation skills training in examining the oropharynx using a headlight to evaluate the throat will enable you to differentiate non-complex and complex inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of the throat. Upon completion of this module, you will have acquired advanced knowledge, skills and professional attributes to work as part of a multidisciplinary primary care team in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with ENT conditions of the throat.

To be eligible for the programme you must:

- Hold a level 8 degree* or?international?equivalent demonstrated through a defined?recognition of?prior?learning?(RPL) process.



- Be active on your relevant professional body register



- Have at least two-year of relevant healthcare experience



Please note:

*If you do not hold a level 8 qualification, you may still be eligible to join the programme through our pathway programme, please contact us for further information on this route.

Delivery: Part-time