Acute Illness Management

Introduction

The original Acute Illness Management (AIM) course was piloted in Greater Manchester in 2001, and rolled out to the local Trusts in 2003. The course was developed to address the growing evidence base raising concern about detection of deteriorating illness in patients on general wards and the initiation of appropriate care which was impacting on length of stay in hospital, and mortality

Following the success of the Adult AIM course, further courses have been developed over the years to address the specific needs of maternal and paediatric areas, and also the role of the clinical support worker in recognising and responding to deteriorating illness

Since 2006 AIM has been delivered in Trusts outside of Greater Manchester under licence-agreement with the Critical Care Skills Institute

Any enquiries relating to AIM should be directed to AIM.CCSI@mft.nhs.uk

The AIM Advisory Group

The Greater Manchester AIM Advisory Group (AAG) was formed in 2003 to oversee the quality and to steer the development of the Acute Illness Management courses

The group meets four times a year and is currently co-chaired by the CCSI Manager and a local Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. AAG Membership includes representation from a number of Greater Manchester Trusts covering acute care, paediatric, maternal, physiotherapy, and higher education

Our Mission Statement

• AIM teaches
• Best practice to achieve
• Confidence in the care of the
• Deteriorating patient through
• Education and team training

About the courses

The AIM courses are a blend of lectures, workshops and simulated learning that embed the ABCDE approach to assessment and management of the patient with deteriorating illness

Prior to attending candidates should be provided with the relevant course manual, providing underpinning knowledge to support the day and ongoing learning. With the exception of Clinical Support Worker AIM (see below), candidates are assessed at the end of the day with an MCQ and simulated scenario assessment

Course outcomes – Adult; Maternal; Paediatric:

• To optimise the outcome for patients at risk of developing acute illness
• Enhance the knowledge, confidence and performance of ward staff in dealing with acutely ill patients
• Encourage teamwork and communication
• Promote a multi-professional approach to patient care
• Maximise the efficient use of critical care services
• Address clinical governance and clinical risk

Course outcomes – Clinical Support Worker:

• Identify patients at risk of acute illness
• Describe a systematic approach to assessing acutely ill patients

Incorporated into the Clinical Support Worker manual is a competency framework which should be completed in the clinical area following attendance of the course