Newborn baby, oral feeding tube

10 February 2025 – 14 March 2025 (Online)
Live online sessions: dates to be confirmed

Course details

  • Duration:  5 weeks
  • Live online sessions: dates tbc
  • Fees: £495
  • Venue: Online
  • Contact us

This course will cover the range of knowledge needed to appraise the topics within neonatal gastroenterology from the functions of the gastrointestinal tract to a knowledge of the goals of neonatal nutrition with understanding of current neonatal nutritional uncertainties and an appreciation of approaches to reduce uncertainties.

Topics covered will include:

  • Revision of Development of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
  • Congenital GI tract problems
  • Management and outcomes of common gut anomalies - including surgical management
  • Common postnatal problems of the GI tract including Necro Enterocolitis (NEC)
  • Neonatal feeding strategies, both enteral and parenteral
  • Long term consequences of nutritional intervention in neonatal care
  • Ethical considerations within neonatal nutritional support

The course is part of a range of short courses spread throughout the academic year which are available both to students who are enrolled on the MSc Applied Paediatrics course and as stand-alone CPD accredited programmes for all healthcare professionals.

More information

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  1. Construct an explanation of the links between the functions of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract and the goals of neonatal nutrition.
  2. Formulate a strategy for the management of neonatal nutritional uncertainties using evidence-based approaches
  3. Critically assess and select the appropriate nutritional strategy to fulfil the goals of neonatal nutrition
  4. Critique the current evidence base of nutritional strategies and recognise uncertainties
  5. Compose effective strategies to communicate and explain to inexperienced staff or parents the uncertainties around neonatal nutrition.     

This fully online course consists of several synchronous sessions on a video-conferencing platform, where you will experience active learning, as well as weekly online tasks and related activities for you to complete individually or in small groups. These learning tasks will cover the cutting edge of issues in neonatal nutrition and gastrointestinal care. This is supported by case-based learning and practical guidance. 

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) hosts guidance and support with resources and tasks that you can study at your own pace within the suggested parameters. The VLE supports your academic journey and helps you to connect with other students for networking, community building and active co-construction of your learning.

Learning and Teaching approach
This fully online course consists of several synchronous sessions on a video-conferencing platform as well as weekly online tasks and related activities for you to complete individually or in small groups. These learning tasks will cover the cutting edge of paediatric issues in neonatal nutrition and gastrointestinal care. This is supported by case-based learning and practical guidance.  You are encouraged to share your own country /setting experiences in a respectful and open style.

The course adopts an active learning strategy which consists of:

  • Pre course reading/videos to read/watch to prepare for the course
  • Online activities such as reading, researching & lectures with related tasks to enhance & consolidate your learning
  • Group work and group presentations.

All teaching is delivered by highly experienced neonatal practitioners and educators. You will be signposted to further resources and reading to help you to achieve your learning objectives. You are encouraged to approach the team for help if you need further direction or support in learning about these topics. 

Evidence of sufficient participation will be required to obtain a course certificate.

The course consists of several synchronous sessions on a video-conferencing platform (UK times)*: Dates to be confirmed

 

Who should attend?
This course will benefit paediatricians, GPs, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals involved in Child Health.

As the course is a multi-professional programme, students will develop an understanding of how their own individual behaviours, and those of the teams within which they work, can have a significant influence on the quality of care delivered.

This course is not formally assessed for short course students.

However, feedback will be provided for any submitted activities such as participation and contribution to group work and interactive sessions including a workshop within the course.

Optional assessment
Participants have the option of completing an assessment component and on completion will be provided with an official Imperial College London transcript of results. Credits accrued (within two years of transcript date) can be utilised towards the PG Certificate in 'Applied Paediatrics', should they wish to undertake further study with Imperial College.

Details of the assessment and deadline for submission will be given during the course. Please note that there is an additional assessment fee payable in full prior to submission date. Please contact us for further information.

Module leaders