Frequently Asked Questions:

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BASIC for Limited Resource settings (BASIC LR for Nurses)

What is it?

BASIC LR for Nurses is a short course, usually held over 3 days, which covers essential and fundamental aspects of care of the critically ill in low resource settings.

Who is it aimed at?

Nurses who look after critically ill patients in limited resource settings.

What is the format?

The course consists of a course manual (which must be read in advance), and interactive lectures involving group work, case studies, hands on skill stations and pre- and post-course tests. The course works on a cascading model with local instructors delivering the content after appropriate training. We also provide a mobile app which works offline (after downloading). This contains the entire course manual plus other additional resources to facilitate the care of critically ill patients.

How much does it cost?

There are no license fees for running BASIC LR. Course material is supplied in an electronic format. Course manuals can be printed locally from the supplied pdf (colour printing is recommended) or supplied at cost.

Who can run and teach courses?

The course director and the instructors must have attended a BASIC LR for Nurses instructor course.

What topics are covered?

• Assessment and management of a critically ill patient using the ABCDE approach
• Monitoring and managing a patient (adult and child) with respiratory distress including airway management, suction, oxygen delivery and monitoring, use of ambu bag and management of a patient with a chest drain
• Monitoring and managing a patient with an altered level of consciousness including AVPU, meningitis, glucose monitoring, management of seizures
• Monitoring and managing a patient with shock, burns and post surgery
• Identification of emergency and priority signs in children under 5yrs. old
• Pain evaluation and care of patient on morphine
• Intra osseous insertion
• Mobilization of a trauma patient
• Safe administration of a blood transfusion
• Care of a patient on bedrest
• Safe hygiene practices
• Understanding the basics of palliative care
• Presenting a clear and organised handover

Where has the course been run?

The course has been run in Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen.

What are the conditions for running a course?

• You acknowledge the source of the material.
• The material is used for non-commercial purposes. We are happy for course organizers to make a small profit but all profits must be used for Intensive Care education or research
• The course is registered with us and pre- and post-course MCQ answers are submitted to us online.
• Courses must include 75% of the overall course material and 75% of the skill station material.
• The number of candidates should not exceed 7 per skill station.

If you are interested in running a course please contact us for further details.

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